Community
30 May, 2025
Purnim volunteers rewarded
VOLUNTEERS with the Purnim Recreation Reserve Inc. have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the local community.
This small but dedicated group was recently presented with a certificate of recognition from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) for its continued efforts and hard work.
Like many small towns across rural Victoria, Purnim has lost some vital community services over the years.
This included a hotel, general store/post office, school, football and tennis clubs.
However, the recreation reserve’s committee of management has remained strong and is a vital part of the community.
Since its establishment in 1954, the group has only had five presidents and six secretaries in its 72-year history.
From the original committee, the Eccles family has had three generations of representation – father Tom Eccles, son Ray (from day one) and current long-service grandsons, Anthony and John.
Current president Mick McKinnon has been in the role for 17 years while Rodger Henderson has been involved for almost 50 years (and held the position of president for 18 of those).
Henderson’s outstanding service was acknowledged in 2015 when the number one oval was named in his honour.
Incumbent secretary Peter McDonald had the number two oval named in his owner in recognition of more than 30 years’ service.
The recreation reserve and the Northern Raiders Cricket Club are now seen as the social hub of the community.
Over recent years, the original co-tenants, Purim and Grassmere cricket clubs merged and within five years of that formation the Raiders were promoted from division two to become part of the top tier, division one Premier competition.
This cumulated with the club finishing the 2024/25 season as Champions.
As well as featuring both turf and hard wicket adjoining cricket facilities, the recreation reserve is also home to Grassmere Primary School’s annual sports carnival.
The sports carnival attracts around 100 students each year.
According to recreation reserve president Mick McKinnon, the group’s small band of volunteers just “seem to get the job done.”
“Our mantra is simple. We try to provide our tenant and other user groups the best possible facilities as an ongoing plan,” Mr McKinnon said.
“We don’t seek accolades but its nice to be acknowledged by the likes of DEECA.
“Outside feedback is valuable, from both DEECA and the Moyne Shire.”
Mr McKinnon said that over recent times the new turf wicket, plus the electronic trailer-mounted scoreboard, had both received great reviews from other WMDCA member clubs, the board and umpires.
“We are still a work in progress, with other future potential projects under consideration,” he added.
During cricket season, evening meals are provided after Thursday training sessions, catering for not only players and club members but also local residents.
“As a club we value our relationship with the rec reserve and there’s a lot of cross-over with people involved on both committees,” Northern Raiders Cricket Club president Trevor Dowd said.
“This flows down from the governing bodies of both DEECA and Moyne who are great supporters.
“The positive feedback about our turf wicket after only three years seems to have grown.”
Mr Dowd added that the top team from the end of the home and away season for the past two years had chosen Purnim as its first preference semi-final venue.
“The WMDCA is a tough competition so we remain focussed, maintaining the respect within all the other member clubs.
“A strong focus for our Raiders brand is securing junior development programs, and providing gender equity for both boys and girls participation into open aged platforms.”
