Goulburn Mulwaree Council welcomes representative cricket returning to regional NSW

Goulburn Mulwaree Council in partnership with Cricket NSW has welcomed the return of representative cricket to regional NSW, as Goulburn plays host to the 2020 Cricket NSW McDonald’s Country Championships – Southern Pool.

The event was secured under Council’s Event Development Funding Policy and its focus on attracting, delivering, staging and promoting a broad range of sporting events.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council Mayor, Bob Kirk, welcomed the event returning to Goulburn after hosting the Championships in 2019 noting “this event certainly furthers the City’s reputation as a premier sporting destination in New South Wales. Events like these are a huge boost for our region, not only in allowing our players to enjoy competing at a high level at home, but also as a benefit to our economy.

“Council is investing significantly in a number of capital works projects at the moment, and I am pleased to note that the Seiffert Oval Grandstand (Max Hadlow Stand) refurbishment has been completed in time for the McDonald’s Country Championships.”

Cricket NSW Chief Executive, Lee Germon said he was delighted that the Goulburn Mulwaree Council will host the Southern Pool of the Men’s NSW McDonald’s Country Championships.

Germon advised “this will be the first representative cricket event staged in regional NSW, highlighting a growing optimism that life and sport are beginning to return to normal despite the global Coronavirus pandemic.

“Cricket is part of the fabric of our nation and our state so to have the best cricketers from right across southern NSW coming together to play these Championships is a cause for celebration.

“It will be great for the local Goulburn District Cricket Association Woolworths Cricket Blast, Junior and Senior cricketers to see high level country cricketers in their own back yard.

“Teams from Riverina, Western, Greater Illawarra and ACT Southern Districts will compete, bringing significant economic activity to the Goulburn region.

Germon added “Cricket NSW would particularly like to thank the Goulburn Mulwaree Council for their encouragement and support staging this significant regional tournament and for their work to make it a COVIDSafe event.”

According to Tourism Research Australia’s National Average Spend and the number of people involved in the event, it is estimated that this event will provide an economic benefit in excess of $280,000 to the local economy.

The Championship carnival will see some of the southern region’s best cricketers battle it out in a number of feature matches.

The Country Championship will commence at 9.30am on Friday 20th November with the traditional coin toss by Mayor Kirk. Goulburn Cricket Association’s Groundsman, Bob Smith, will also be presented with his Cricket NSW’s Best Country Groundsman of the Year Award for his work at Seiffert Oval.

For more information on Goulburn visit www.goulburnaustralia.com.au

Image courtesy of Visit NSW