The Victorian Government is backing community cricket with 15 local grounds securing funding to improve facilities for players, including new nets and pitches.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced grants totalling $1.4 million from the 2020-21 Community Cricket Program including $100,000 to upgrade the four-net training facility at the home of the Broadford Cricket Club, at Harley Hammond Reserve.
By helping clubs like Broadford CC modernise their facilities, communities have the opportunity to cater for even more people keen to get involved in sport and recreation.
Other projects to benefit from the latest round include $100,000 towards construction of new nets at both Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve and Doug Dean Recreation Reserve in Delacombe.
Funding will also go towards upgrading cricket facilities in Ballan, Launching Place, Catani, Lethbridge, St Leonards, Inverloch, Ferntree Gully, Noble Park, Altona, Paynesville, Belmont and Narre Warren East.
Since 2019, the Community Cricket Program has invested more than $2.8 million in 30 cricket infrastructure projects across Victoria. The 2021-22 Community Cricket Program will open for applications in August 2021.
The support for local cricketers is part of the Victorian Government’s investment of more than $1.1 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.
Minister Spence acknowledged the contribution to a number of projects from Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association through the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund and the Grassroots Cricket Fund.
For information about the Community Cricket Program including more details on projects supported in the latest round of grants visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“Cricket provides a cherished sporting and social outlet for so many Victorians and this new support will help players at training and on matchday.”
“It’s a winner on many levels, including for clubs in their ability to attractnew players and volunteers to get involved and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”
“There will be a new round of grants opening later in the year so even more clubs will have the chance to improve their home grounds and grow their community reach.”
Quotes attributable to Cricket Victoria interim chief executive Nick Cummins
“Cricket is part of the fabric of the Victorian community and these projects will inspire even more locals to pick up a bat and ball and join their local club.”
“Cricket Victoria thanks the Government for its ongoing support for grassroots cricket facilities across the state.”
Reviewed 18 June 2021