Queensland Cricket entered an exciting new era on the weekend, with an historic partnership set to deliver runs on the board for women and girls, marginalised Queenslanders and local communities across the state.
Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said the Queensland Cricket, Palaszczuk Government partnership would rival the great Hayden and Langer.
The announcement comes following a blockbuster weekend of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) cricket at Allan Border Field, with the Brisbane Heat Women taking on the Perth Scorchers (26 October) and Hobart Hurricanes (27 October).
“The Palaszczuk Government is padded up and ready to smash it out of the park when it comes to cricket participation in Queensland,” said Mr de Brenni.
“This partnership will see more free social cricket opportunities for women in an unstructured environment.
“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.”
Mr de Brenni said 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,” said Mr de Brenni.
“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.”
Mr de Brenni said 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 CEO 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,” said Mr Svenson.
“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.
“Thank you to Minister de Brenni and his colleagues who are leading the way in ensuring our future generations can lead active and healthy lives.”
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.
Mr de Brenni said work would soon begin in 2020 on the $18.3 million ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Cricket Campus at Allan Border Field and Wavell Heights.
“The Campus will be the home of women’s cricket in Australia and have the world’s best training facilities, attracting the best coaches, sports scientists and administrators.”
