A bomb threat sent via Facebook Messenger forced the evacuation of players, coaches and families at Toomuc Recreation Reserve, cutting short three junior football matches on June 15
Police arrived around 1.15pm and conducted a safety check, prompting everyone to evacuate to a nearby location.
After thoroughly sweeping the ovals and clubrooms, authorities declared the threat a hoax, allowing players to return around 3pm.
Pakenham Lions Junior club President Amanda Walters told Channel 7 the ordeal was unlike anything she has experienced in her time at the club.
“First time president, I have never dealt with anything like this before,” she said.
“So very grateful for the team behind us, very grateful for everyone’s patience. The police were really swift.”
A junior player told the Gazette that the experience showed them that the unexpected can happen.
“We were in the change rooms getting ready for our game on oval 1… Our game was scheduled for 2.15pm,” she said.
“We were interrupted by the game before us as all the players came into the change rooms to grab their bags. We were all told (girls and boys) that we needed to leave.”
Players were quickly informed of the bomb threat and escorted by police and club officials to the nearby basketball stadium across from the ovals.
“All players and coaches/ parents remained calm as we had to make our way over to the stadium,” she said.
A club official advised those in the car park that police needed time to complete their sweep before anyone could return to their belongings or resume their games.
Coaches, players, and families waited in the winter cold for about two hours as authorities ensured the site was safe.
The evacuation caused anxiety and confusion, especially among players whose parents had not yet arrived.
“There were a lot of calls to parents who weren’t at the game and also girls trying to find their parents after everyone was separated trying to move to safety,” the player said.
While relieved it was a hoax, the incident stirred wider concerns about growing up in the South East.
“Crime is getting worse and worse everyday,” the player said.
“I used to go to school in Pakenham and have friends that live around the area where you always hear stories of crime that has been happening, kids getting into fights at parties, stealing. It’s a terrible place to be around at the moment.”
Investigations remain ongoing, anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
