The Andrews Labor Government is going in to bat for community cricket ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, with more grants available to develop and upgrade cricket facilities across the state.
Applications are open for the next round of the Labor Government's $13.5 million Community Cricket Program. This funding round will provide more than $1.5 million to community clubs and councils to develop or redevelop local cricket infrastructure, from training nets through to female friendly and accessible change rooms.
12 projects will also benefit from more than $1.1 million in funding from the last round of the program, including $100,000 towards cricket nets at the home of Preston Druids Cricket Club at W H Robinson Reserve, and $100,000 towards cricket nets at Mt Clear Recreation Reserve, home of Mt Clear Cricket Club.
By helping clubs modernise their facilities, communities can cater for even more people keen to get involved in cricket.
Since 2019, the Community Cricket Program - Community Facilities stream has invested more than $3.9 million in 42 cricket infrastructure projects across Victoria. This initiative is part of the Government's investment of more than $1.1 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.
Investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
For more information about the Community Cricket Program including how to apply and current round recipients visit sport.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"Summer means cricket in Victoria, that's why we're getting on with helping clubs and councils build the facilities they need."
"By investing in better facilities, we're opening more opportunities for all to get involved in their local club and follow in the footsteps of their cricket heroes."
As stated by Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins
"Cricket is a strong part of the fabric of our Victorian community and these projects will inspire even more locals to pick up a bat and ball and join their local cricket club."
As stated by Preston Druids Cricket Club President Rob Montgomery
"This funding is fantastic and will make a huge difference to our club, and our junior cricket program, we can now look forward to new cricket nets at W H Robinson Reserve allowing us to grow our club for the local community."
