What an outstanding night the Good Friday Northern Derby was for the DVBA, for Basketball and for the greater cause of raising money for the Good Friday Appeal, and being able to host this year’s event within the area of Nillumbik Shire Council.

Over 700 people packed Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre and together, not including donation tins which we filled to the brim, we raised $2928 for the The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne Good Friday Appeal – beating last year’s $2470 effort … and we hope we break this year’s record next year, and then keep breaking the record yearly to give more and more back.

The night’s match results pale in comparison to the fact that we saw 2 games of highly competitive basketball that showcased male and female role models for our communities, and got to contribute to a cause greater than ourselves.

We thank Big V Basketball for allowing us to continue this annual event.
We thank the Whittlesea City Basketball Association for partnering with us to put on 2 consecutive years of exciting Good Friday games and doing it all, selflessly, for kids in need.
We thank Roy Ward of The Age Sport, Tara Murray of the Northern Star Weekly, The Pick and Roll, Smash FM for helping promote and report on the game.
We thank M & M Printworks for their print material.
We thank the DVBA staff for their work in organizing and putting on the night.
We thank Berties Butcher St Helena for helping us to launch the season’s Berties Butcher Half Court Shootout, which went off with the first shot in spectacular fashion !

And most importantly, we thank the Diamond Valley, Whittlesea and Basketball fans for coming out in force to support their teams and the overall purpose of the night. Sometimes things are about more than just Basketball – and giving to those in need is not just about making a donation, it’s about making a difference.