Queensland Cricket partners with State Government

Queensland Cricket has partnered with the State Government to deliver free social cricket opportunities for women and girls, marginalised Queenslanders and local communities across the state.

Queensland Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni advised: “Indigenous children and young people in remote and regional communities will be bowled over by Deadly Cricket – which will bring more physical activity, education and employment opportunities.

“And mentors will spearhead a support program that brings meaningful personal development and high-performance sporting opportunities for marginalised Queenslanders through Intellectually Disabled, Blind, Deaf, Indigenous and Country squads.

“Together we’ll be hitting for six by delivering targeted cricket programs, events and infrastructure where they have the most impact, helping clubs become stronger and providing clear pathways for talented girls and coaches.”

Minister de Brenni added that achieving equality in sport is about providing more opportunities from the grassroots right through to the senior executive level: “We must aim for equal opportunities and equal pay for women in cricket and in sport – players, coaches and administrators.

“That includes equal pay and representation on sporting boards to ensure we have a diverse range of perspectives which reflect the rapid rise in female participation in sports that were once male-dominated.”

Minister de Brenni noted that this is the second of six pilot partnerships with state-level sport and recreation organisations as part of the new $32 million, three-year Active Industry Fund.

Newly appointed Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Terry Svenson said delivering new partnerships to advance the sport state-wide was a significant priority for the organisation: “The Active Industry Fund is a great initiative from the Queensland Government and Queensland Cricket is proud to be a launch partner.

“QC’s purpose is to unite and inspire Queenslanders through cricket, and today’s partnership announcement will allow us to do this.

“Specifically, it will help us grow cricket and provide great experiences for fans across the state through our schools, Cricket Blast and Deadly Cricket programs.

The Fund forms a key part of Activate! Queensland, the state’s first 10-year, $1.3 billion strategy to encourage all levels of community participation whilst also supporting elite athletes and world-class venues.

Minister de Brenni also advised that work would begin in 2020 on the $18.3 million National Cricket Campus at Allan Border Field and Wavell Heights.