Hume local and Craigieburn Junior Cricket Club co-founder Denis Moore chats with Zoe Moffatt about his time spent in the area and in community sport.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I assist my son a couple of days a week with his shed building business that I started 35 years ago. In my spare time I have enjoyed being a strong advocate for community affairs and assisting community groups to grow bigger and stronger. I’ve been here in Craigieburn for 46 years and have seen many changes. I like to guide the new residents to the area on who is in charge of council and/or the local politicians to assist in leading and building a community that we all can be proud of.
What’s your connection to Hume?
In 1978 I moved to Craigieburn as an owner and driver of a dodge v8 tray truck. I am a co-founder and coach of Craigieburn Junior Cricket Club, which was established in 1982 in Hilton street, when the population was about 4500. My wife Gail would come to be the team manager and scorer as well. I was also named Hume resident of the month in November 2014, and I was on Neighbourhood Watch for seven years, before joining Craigieburn Residents Association in varying roles.
What do you like about where you live?
I like being part of community groups and seeing the area grow and develop. I like seeing the diversity in the area and being able to provide leadership for the new residents. I also enjoy being far enough from the city whilst enjoying a country lifestyle- back then the marketing campaign was ‘country living city style.’ I have been a member of the Craigieburn Angling Club for the past 12 years. Back then I liked to pack up for the weekend with my son Johnny to attend fishing competitions around the state, which are a great outlet for us both.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
I like where I live, and holding our councillors and local politician’s accountable for what they promise to the area. It has helped me to develop meaningful relationships with each of those levels of local and federal government. My passion for the residents of this area is very high and I strive to achieve all opportunities for the area, hence the residents association involvement.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
DS Aitken is a good place for a quiet beer with the boys, whilst I am not a big drinker the camaraderie was great with other community leaders. I also enjoy spending time with my son on the job building carports and garages around Hume.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
I built a bird aviary in the backyard which was state of the art at the time for breeding budgies. Before moving to Craigieburn I was also part of the Coburg Budgie Club to which I bred and showed budgies and was super proud of those prestigious achievements for 21 years.
