Girls cricket in Cairns has hit a major six thanks to Queensland Country Bank's GOOD FOR GOOD Community Grants Program. The Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association is one of 15 not-for-profit organisations across the state that has received funding, and it's funding that will focus on girls' participation in cricket.
Vice President of the Junior Club at Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association Michelle Garner, said the grant was a major boost for the club, which focuses on increasing female participation.
"The grant we've received will assist with equipment, uniforms and transport for junior female cricketers based in Yarrabah – allowing them to join our club regularly. We currently have 26 girls playing here at the club, helping us create important and needed pathways and opportunities for these cricketers in the wider region."
Coach of the Juniors Suzanne Smith said, "the grant has already assisted us to send four girls from Yarrabah away with the Cricket Far North U13 girls representative team. One of these girls, Chantel Gordon also represented Queensland at the National U12 Schools Championships in Adelaide."
Queensland Country Bank's exceptional community program has been running since 2005 and has injected $3 million back into Queensland, with grants focused on making a practical difference in communities. This year, 15 recipients received grants to a total of $150,000.
Queensland Country Bank CEO Aaron Newman said including the Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association in the program meant supporting North Queensland and aligned with working with Queensland Cricket as the new Principal Partner of Brisbane Heat for the next three years.
"We have a strong focus on local communities and investing in grassroots cricket, and our support here in Cairns means more girls in North Queensland will have the opportunity to play cricket," he said.
In 2025, Australia saw a substantial increase in female cricket participation, with registered participation among women and girls in cricket clubs, and other initiatives reaching 50,377, according to the 2022-23 Australian Cricket Census. In addition, there are now 5000 all girls teams around the country.
"Our support means our young North Queensland girls can emulate players like the Australian captain Alyssa Healy, and Queenslanders Holly Ferling, Haidee Birkett, and Kyrna Crump. With the Australian Women's Team the number one in the world, we hope to nurture the next generation of Australian stars – straight out of North Queensland!" said Aaron.
"Our Good for Good program is just one way the bank supports the communities that support us. Many smaller regional and remote communities really rely on not-for-profit groups to help improve the liveability of their local communities, and we are pleased to be able to support the work of some of these community groups with their projects. It's about doing good for good."
ABOUT QUEENSLAND COUNTRY BANK
Queensland Country Bank is a Member-owned bank that started in 1971 in Mount Isa, and offers a uniquely enriching banking experience by integrating exceptional customer service with deep community engagement. The bank supports over 100,000 Members, employs over 450 Queenslanders, and has given back $3 million to local communities through its Good for Good Community Grants program since 2005.
The team at Queensland Country Bank prioritises simplicity, speed, and personalisation in their services, supported by digital tools and knowledgeable staff across a 28 (soon to be 29!) branch network across the state. They are naming rights partner of the Townsville Stadium and are Principal Partner with The Brisbane Heat.
