Cricket in the Mallee Murray region will reap the rewards of a new oval and pavilion in Mildura as part of the $30.5 million Stage One – Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct.
Cricket in the Mallee Murray region will reap the rewards of a new oval and pavilion in Mildura as part of the $30.5 million Stage One - Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct.
Through the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund, Australian Cricket has committed $275,000 to the project - the largest single investment in community infrastructure ever made by the fund.
The work will see a new oval, new pavilion, outdoor turf and synthetic training wickets and Premier grade lighting constructed at the site, with additional works planned on site for cricket in future project stages. This project is one of eight regional Cricket and Community Centres being delivered by Australian Cricket for the benefit of both community cricket and performance pathways in country Victoria.
Cricket Victoria CEO Andrew Ingleton said the project was a major investment in the future of cricket in regional Victorian communities.
"We're excited to get this project underway and kickstart a new era for cricket in Mildura," Ingleton said.
"Once built, this facility will serve the needs of many cricketers in the Mallee Murray and provide a fantastic base for our game for many years to come. We're proud to partner with the Mildura Regional City Council, the Victorian Government and Cricket Australia to deliver this for the community."
Cricket Australia Head of Government Relations and Infrastructure Grant Poulter said "a Regional Cricket and Community Centre at Mildura South will provide support for cricket participants at all levels across the region and drive the sport's growth in Victoria's north-west."
"Regional Cricket and Community Centres are integral to cricket's infrastructure network, and the Mallee Murray region has been identified as a priority for cricket in Victoria. That's why we have committed $275,000 to Stage 1 from the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund."
"These Regional Cricket and Community Centres provide a venue for entry level participation programs, foster local player development, enable access to education and training resources and support Cricket's administration across the region. These centres also have the capacity to attract valuable cricket content, resulting in both social and economic benefits for local businesses and the broader community," Poulter said.
Mayor of Mildura Rural City Council Cr Simon Clemence said "once complete, the Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct will be a game-changer for Mildura. Not only will it provide a permanent home for many local sporting groups, it will also become a premier facility in the state, capable of attracting regional, state, national and even international sporting events," Cr Clemence said.
"This commitment from Australian Cricket is a significant partnership, and we thank them for their support and investment in our region."
