STUMPING UP FOR CRICKET IN RESEARCH

Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence today announced applications were now open for the fourth and final round of the $13.5 million Community Cricket Program – Community Facilities stream and also announced the latest projects to benefit from the third round of Program.

Tomorrow’s local cricket stars will soon be enjoying better facilities at Research Park, with the announcement of funding through the third round of the Community Cricket Program – Cricket Facilities stream.

Member for Eltham, Vicki Ward MP today announced $81,900 funding to upgrade facilities at Research Park.

The ground is the home of Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club and the funding will enable Nillumbik Shire Council to install a new irrigation system at the Research Park Oval to benefit the Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club, Research Junior Football Club and local community.

After a disrupted sports season in 2021, the Victorian Government is getting on with helping grassroots sport get back on track through initiatives like the Community Cricket Program.

By supporting clubs like Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club to upgrade their facilities, we’re giving grassroots communities the opportunity to cater for even more Victorians keen to do their communities proud.

These initiatives are part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to sport and active recreation, gender equality and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.

This initiative is part of the Government’s investment of over $1.1 billion into community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.

For more information about the Community Cricket Program including current round recipients visit
https://sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants/community-cricket-program

Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward MP

“We’re getting on with the job of creating better facilities for our next generation, so they can emulate their sporting heroes like the Australian women’s cricket team who, in 2020, won the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final on home soil.”

“This funding will inspire even more Research boys, girls, men and women to sign up for the mighty Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Nillumbik Shire Council Cr Frances Eyre

“The role of community sport in building resilience and in delivering health and wellbeing benefits for those involved – whether as players, officials or spectators - cannot be overstated. This generous Victorian Government funding allocation along with funds from Nillumbik Shire Council will enable Council to carry out works to make using Research Park an even better experience for the cricket club, junior football club and the broader community.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Mayor of Nillumbik Shire Council Cr Ben Ramcharan

“After the last two years of lockdowns, it’s more important now than ever to support community sports so we can get more people out there and active – both physically and socially. This funding from the State Government’s Community Cricket Program will provide the opportunity for Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club to upgrade their facilities so more locals can take part in this great sport.”