Government boost to grow grassroots cricket

Minister for Sport John Eren today visited the Clifton Hill Cricket Club, which is one of 61 clubs across Victoria sharing in $153,000 funding as part of the Community Cricket Program: On Common Ground.

Minister Eren announced the Clifton Hill Cricket Club would receive a $1900 grant for new cricket kits complete with the latest equipment, as well as helmets for the club’s two girls’ teams.

The grant will also help cover the costs of first aid and coaching courses.

“We’re going in to bat for grassroots clubs across Victoria, because we know Victorians just love their cricket,” Eren said.

“We lead the nation when it comes to cricket participation, and investments like these will ensure many of the next Test or Twenty-20 superstars are Victorians.

“Our clubs work really hard to ensure thousands of Victorians enjoy our national summer pastime each week.
“We’re helping these clubs reach for the skies.”

Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide thanked the Government for their ongoing contribution to cricket.

“Cricket in Victoria is going through a very exciting period and this assistance from the Government will encourage more people to be a part of that,” Dodemaide said.

“The funding will allow these 61 clubs and associations from the grassroots to improve their facilities and make cricket more accessible to all Victorians.”

The Victorian Government is joining forces with Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia to deliver a $12.4 million program aimed at helping build Victoria’s status as the cricket capital of Australia.

The Community Cricket Program: On Common Ground is creating new opportunities for Victorians of all ages and abilities to enjoy our national summer pastime, no matter where they live.

As part of the program, the Club Capacity and Workforce Development Grants will deliver $800,000 over four years to assist clubs with minor facility upgrades, buy equipment or run programs that build the base of players, coaches, umpires and volunteers.

Among the projects funded include upgrades to practice nets, training for club administrators and coaches and equipment such helmets, rollers, mowers and covers.

Construction is also underway on transforming Junction Oval into an additional ICC-compliant first-class ground for Melbourne, and building the Victorian Cricket and Community Centre.

Clubs and associations receiving grants
Allansford Cricket Club
Aradale Cricket Club
Baden Powell Cricket Club
Balmoral Cricket Club
Baxter Cricket Club
Bellfield Cricket Club
Bendigo District Cricket Umpires’ Association
Box Hill Reporter District Cricket Association
Buckley Ridges Cricket Club
Bulleen Templestowe Cricket Club
Caroline Springs Cricket Club
Castlemaine United Cricket Club
City United Cricket Club
Clifton Hill Cricket Club
Cluden Cricket Club
College Cricket Club
Dandenong District Cricket Association
Derrinallum Cricket Club
Devon North Cricket Club
Donvale Cricket Club
East Belmont Cricket Club
Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies Cricket Club
Fitzroy Doncaster Cricket Club
Footscray United Cricket Club
Glen Waverley Cricket Club
Heathmont Baptist Cricket Club
Inverloch Cricket Club
Ivanhoe Cricket Club
Jeparit Cricket Club
Laburnum Cricket Club
Manifold Heights Cricket Club
Mentone Cricket Club
Mid Year Cricket Association
Mildura Settlers Junior Cricket Club
Mildura West Cricket Club
Monash Cricket Club
Moorabbin West Cricket Club
Nirranda Cricket Club
North Alphington Cricket Club
North Geelong Cricket Club
Parkville District Cricket Club
Pines Cricket Club
Point Cook Cricket Club
Pomonal Cricket Club
Portland Colts Cricket Club
Preston YCW District Cricket Club
Richmond City Cricket Club
Richmond Cricket Club, trading as Monash Tigers
St Andrews Cricket Club (Pascoe Vale)
St Bernard’s Old Collegians Cricket Club
St Francis De Sales Cricket Club
St Johns Tecoma Cricket Club
St Peters Cricket Club
Stoneyford Cricket Club
Strathmore Cricket Club
Teesdale Cricket Club
Thornbury Turf Strokers Cricket Club
Wangaratta Magpies Cricket Club
Wantirna South Cricket Club
Wonga Park Cricket Club
Yarreleen Cricket Club