What’s happening?
Girls’ cricket in Cairns is receiving a major boost, thanks to Queensland Country Bank’s Good for Good Community Grants Program. The Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association has been selected as one of 15 not-for-profit organisations across Queensland to receive funding, specifically aimed at encouraging greater female participation in the sport.
Vice President of the Junior Club at Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association, Michelle Garner, said, “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. 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?
The funding will provide more young girls in regional Queensland with access to cricket, a sport that has seen growing female participation nationwide. The initiative aligns with Queensland Country Bank’s commitment to grassroots sports and fostering talent in regional areas.
Queensland Country Bank CEO Aaron Newman highlighted the broader impact, 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
The grant is already making an impact, enabling four girls from Yarrabah to participate in the Cricket Far North U13 girls’ representative team. Among them, Chantel Gordon went on to represent Queensland at the National U12 Schools Championships in Adelaide.
Coach of the Juniors, Suzanne Smith, noted, “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.”
By the Numbers:
- $3 million has been reinvested into Queensland communities since the Good for Good program began in 2005.
- $150,000 in grants was distributed this year among 15 community organisations.
- 50,377 registered female cricketers were recorded in the latest Australian Cricket Census.
Zoom In
The grant will directly impact the Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association, ensuring junior girls from Yarrabah have the resources they need to participate. This initiative supports a sustainable pipeline for young female cricketers in North Queensland.
Zoom Out
Queensland Country Bank is also the Principal Partner of Brisbane Heat for the next three years, reinforcing its commitment to cricket development. With Australia’s Women’s Cricket Team ranked number one in the world, programs like this could help uncover future stars from North Queensland.
Aaron Newman expressed this vision, stating, “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 continues its focus on regional sports initiatives, with future funding rounds expected to provide further opportunities for grassroots development across the state.
