Earlier this week, five schools from across north-west Melbourne competed in the final phase of Essendon’s On The Ball program.

On The Ball is a club community program suitable for students in primary school and middle secondary schools. The program uses elite sportsmen and women from Essendon, Australian Paralympic Committee and Melbourne Vixens as positive role models to inform students of the issues associated with cyber bullying, drugs, alcohol and other risk taking activities.

Catholic Regional College, North Keilor claimed victory with their creative concept of holding a ‘bully free’ day with students attending school in pink tee-shirts.

Second and an equal-third prize went to Gisborne Secondary College and Brookside College, Caroline Springs respectively. All three schools won $500. The prizes were kindly donated by the Strathmore Branch of Bendigo Bank.

The competition’s judging panel consisted of Dr June Kane (Bill Hutchison foundation), Phil Stewart (Strathmore Branch of the Bendigo Bank), Anita Fox (GM Membership, Fan development and Community) and Cameron Britt (Community Manager).

To find out more about Essendon’s On The Ball program, please click here.