What’s happening?
Girls’ cricket in Cairns is on the rise with a fresh injection of funding from Queensland Country Bank’s Good for Good Community Grants Program.
The Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association is one of 15 not-for-profit organisations in Queensland selected to receive funding, with a clear mission to increase female participation in the sport and strengthen pathways for young athletes.
“The grant we’ve received will assist with equipment, uniforms, and transport for junior female cricketers based in Yarrabah – allowing them to join our club regularly,” said Michelle Garner, Vice President of the Junior Club at Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association. “We currently have 26 girls playing here at the club, helping us create important and needed pathways and opportunities for these cricketers in the wider region.”
Why it matters?
This funding is instrumental in ensuring that young girls in regional Queensland have access to quality cricketing experiences, levelling the playing field and fostering talent in grassroots cricket.
Queensland Country Bank CEO Aaron Newman reinforced this commitment, stating, “We have a strong focus on local communities and investing in grassroots cricket, and our support here in Cairns means more girls in North Queensland will have the opportunity to play cricket.”
Local Impact
Already, the grant has facilitated opportunities for young players, enabling four girls from Yarrabah to travel with the Cricket Far North U13 girls’ representative team. One of these players, Chantel Gordon, further distinguished herself by representing Queensland at the National U12 Schools Championships in Adelaide.
“The grant has already assisted us to send four girls from Yarrabah away with the Cricket Far North U13 girls representative team. One of these girls, Chantel Gordon, also represented Queensland at the National U12 Schools Championships in Adelaide,” said Suzanne Smith, Junior Coach at Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association.
By the Numbers:
- Since 2005, Queensland Country Bank has provided $3 million in community grants across the state.
- $150,000 in funding was awarded this year across 15 not-for-profit organisations.
- 5000 all-girls teams are now established across Australia.
Zoom In
The Good for Good grant is providing much-needed financial assistance for the growing number of female cricketers in Cairns, ensuring they have access to proper equipment and transport.
Zoom Out
Queensland Country Bank has strengthened its role in cricket by becoming the Principal Partner of Brisbane Heat for the next three years. This initiative aligns with a national push for greater female participation in sport, particularly as Australia’s Women’s Cricket Team continues to set global benchmarks.
Aaron Newman added, “Our support means our young North Queensland girls can emulate players like the Australian captain Alyssa Healy, and Queenslanders Holly Ferling, Haidee Birkett, and Kyrna Crump.”
What to Look For Next?
Queensland Country Bank will continue its Good for Good Community Grants Program, with more funding rounds expected to help grassroots sports thrive in Queensland’s regional communities.
