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Heavy hearts By DAVID NAGEL
Harley Hulme died in tragic circumstances last week. 146904
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
PAKENHAM’S tightknit sporting community is suffering the pain of a heavy heart after the tragic passing of one it’s most popular and muchloved talents on Friday night. Harley Hulme, 19, was killed after being hit by a train after a night out with friends at the Central Hotel in Beaconsfield. The passing of Hulme, known as ‘Chopper’ to his friends, has triggered an outpouring of emotion, with friends and members of sporting clubs across the region reflecting on a life cut way too short. The tragedy dominated social media pages over the weekend. Hulme was a talented cricketer, scoring a magnificent 128 not out for Pakenham as a 15-year-old, and played 24 games in the club’s senior XI. He also had a season at Casey South-Melbourne in 2014/15. In football he kicked 10 goals in 15 games for the Pakenham Under 19s last year. Pakenham Football Club president Steve Moloney said the tightknit sporting community was struggling to come to grips with the news. “It’s a horrible, horrible tragedy and we are all shocked and deeply saddened by the news,” Moloney said. “At times like these we feel helpless, but we will do everything we can to rally around Harley’s family and friends and offer the best possible support.” The Pakenham Football Club Chaplain, along with two other senior Chaplains from the area, spoke with members of the Pakenham Football, Cricket and Netball clubs at a service held at the clubrooms on Tuesday night.
Moloney said the club presidents of all three clubs were united in their support. “Absolutely, we are community organisations that have an obligation to look after the welfare of the people under our care,” Moloney said. “For some of these young people it will be the first time they’ve experienced anything like this, so it’s important we offer every possible support.” Pakenham Cricket Club president Phil Anning said the club had a habit of pulling together in tough times. “One of the things that make me proud to be a part of the Pakenham Cricket Club is that when tragedy and sadness hits our club, we unite and stick together,” Anning said. “We, as a club and individuals, will support the family anyway we can, for now, and for as long as it takes into the future.” Anning said he was overwhelmed by the support throughout the local sporting community. “I am overwhelmed by the support that our players and supporters are offering each other,” he said. “And the support from other clubs, to our cricket club, and Harley’s family in particular, has just been outstanding.” Anning said the feedback to him personally, and via social media, had confirmed what he already knew. “That Harley was a popular and much-loved person who enjoyed a good time, and was great company to be with,” he said. “He has touched the hearts of so many people in such a positive manner he will be sadly missed by everyone that had the privilege and honour to know and love him.” 1231115-HM24-16
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