Tomorrow's cricket stars will soon be enjoying better facilities at ovals across the state, with the Victorian Government providing a significant boost for the sport.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced that more than $1.4 million in grants for 15 projects in the latest round of the Community Cricket Program.
Among the projects backed by the program, $100,000 will go towards new cricket nets at Walker Park Reserve in Nunawading. Minister Spence acknowledged the contributions to the project from Whitehorse City Council and Cricket Australia, Cricket Victoria and the Australian Cricketers' Association.
Once complete, the project will deliver a new outdoor, four-bay facility and provide a great training base for the growing membership of Mitcham Cricket Club.
Other allocations include $100,000 towards a five-wicket multi-purpose training facility at Caulfield Park, and $100,000 to drought-proof the home ground of Jindivick Cricket Club at Kydd-Parke Reserve in Jindivick.
Cricket Australia will contribute a total of $300,000 across 10 of the 15 projects through the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund.
With more than 235,000 registered cricket participants across the state last summer, Victoria is the national home of cricket. That's why the Government is investing in modernising cricket facilities so that clubs and communities can cater for even more Victorians keen to be involved in cricket, particularly women and girls.
The Victorian Government has invested more than $915 million in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.
For more information about the Community Cricket Program and to see the list of all 15 recipients in the current round, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants/community-cricket-program.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"I know there are so many Victorians looking forward to getting back on the park this summer to when it's safe to do so. This funding will set these clubs up for the future and ensure they have great facilities to train and play."
"The success of the Australian women's cricket team has inspired a growing legion of women and girls to take up the sport - we're making sure cricketers of all abilities have the facilities they need."
As stated by Member for Ringwood Dustin Halse
"We're providing communities and clubs like Mitcham Cricket Club with facilities that are accessible, cater for local demand, stimulate jobs and local economies and inspire more people to get active and healthy."
As stated by Cricket Victoria chief executive Andrew Ingleton
"We thank the Victorian Government for its strong support for cricket right across the state. Projects like the Walker Park nets redevelopment are critical in providing new and upgraded facilities for our growing cricket community."
