The 2020-21 Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF) has officially opened, continuing the record levels of investment in community cricket facilities.
Through the ACIF, Australian Cricket will contribute more than $4.3 million into projects, representing cricket’s continued commitment to develop quality facilities that provide a welcoming environment for all participants, officials, volunteers and fans.
The ACIF is open to all clubs, associations, schools, councils and cricket facility managers, supporting projects such as pitch, oval and practice facility upgrades, as well as change room, pavilion and supporting infrastructure redevelopments.
Last year, Cricket Australia, State and Territory Associations, the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) and players contributed funding that leveraged public and private investment in 203 cricket projects across the country worth more than $130 million.
On the ACIF funding, Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO said:
“The success of the ACIF highlights its importance to the wider cricket community to be able to access funding to assist with much needed facilities, which in turn help grow the game and support the development of the next generation of Australian cricketers.
“These investments and working collectively with all levels of government and our private sector partners through the ACIF, demonstrates our commitment to helping clubs and associations play and train with state of the art facilities.”
One of the successful recipients from last year’s ACIF was Mildura West Cricket Club, Old Aerodrome Sports Complex, which was one of four community cricket projects to receive funding in the Mallee Murray.
In line with the official opening of the ACIF, members from Cricket Australia, Cricket Victoria and the ACA joined Mildura Rural City Council today to celebrate the outcomes of the 2019-20 ACIF program.
On the program, Andrew Ingleton, Cricket Victoria CEO said:
“This is an amazing result for our cricket infrastructure in the Mallee Murray region, with this all made possible by the success of the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund.
“Our partnership with Mildura Rural City Council has produced fantastic results for local community venues and will foster growth in our game for many years to come throughout the region.
“Cricket Victoria is also very pleased to announce the outcomes of our statewide 2019-20 ACIF funding program which will bring more participation opportunities to more Victorians.”
The Grassroots Cricket Fund will also continue its contribution to the ACIF, with up to $1 million going towards playing field and practice facility projects across Australia in 2020-21.
On the contribution from the Grassroots Cricket Fund, Alistair Nicholson, ACA CEO said:
“The players are incredibly passionate about giving back and leaving a lasting legacy on the game.
“That’s why the ACA, on behalf of the players, are delighted to once again be committing up to $1 million dollars from the Grassroots Cricket Fund to facilities projects around the country.”
