Cricketers from the Townsville region will benefit from the recently launched Grassroots Cricket Fund with Townsville Cricket Incorporated (TCI) to become the inaugural recipient of funding from the most significant collective investment into community cricket from Australian professional cricketers in history.
After the devastating floods that hit the Townsville region, significant and widespread damage to community infrastructure was reported, including damage to cricket grounds, training facilities, machinery and equipment.
The players, the Australian Cricketers’ Association, Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket have joined forces to deliver a $40,000 flood funding package to TCI and local clubs.
This money will be used to install a weather-resistant hybrid synthetic pitch at Endeavour Park with extra funds to go towards repairing flood damaged cricket equipment and machinery like mowers, a roller and wicket covers to ensure playing surfaces are resilient and well-maintained for local cricketers into the future.
$30,000 from the Grassroots Cricket Fund will go toward the installation of a hybrid pitch, while $10,000 will contribute to machinery and equipment repairs and replacement. This includes a $2,500 equipment grant from the Grassroots Cricket Fund to local cricket club, Norths.
Queensland Fire player, Holly Ferling says Australian cricketers are united in delivering the Grassroots Cricket Fund to make cricket more accessible to all Australians.
“The players are passionate about giving back to the game that has given us so much,” said Holly.
“There’s a significant need for investment in grassroots cricket, especially for those communities like Townsville doing it tough at the moment.
“This is one small part of how we can give back to the communities who have really shaped us into the people and cricketers we are today.”
Peter Fry, President of Townsville Cricket Incorporated says the generosity of Australian cricketers at this crucial time for our community will go a long way to supporting cricket in the region and help Townsville produce its next crop of future stars of the likes of James Hopes, Haidee Birkett and Luke Feldman.
“When we combine this generous contribution with flood recovery support from the Queensland Government now accessible to flood-affected clubs, I’m confident Townsville’s cricket community and our infrastructure will be able to recover quicker and build resilience for the future,” said Peter.
The funding for the new Endeavour Park hybrid pitch comes from the Grassroots Cricket Fund, an endowment of up to $30 million from Australian professional cricketers to be invested into community cricket over the coming years.
The players, the Australian Cricketers’ Association and Cricket Australia will work in partnership to deliver this vital program, that in year one will focus on providing funds to playing and training facilities that are open to all clubs across Australia and equipment grants to regional, and rural areas – in particular, those affected by drought.
Clubs from around Australia can apply to the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund where the players’ contribution will specifically invest in playing and training facilities such as pitches, ovals, training nets and lighting. In year one, equipment grants focus on providing equipment to regional and rural communities.
To apply or read the Grassroots Cricket Fund’s frequently asked questions, go to www.grassrootscricketfund.com.au.
