Cricket NSW Community Cricket Yearbook 2023

COMMUNITY CRICKET YEARBOOK 2023

FOREWORD

The past season presented both successes and challenges for the cricket community. As we emerged from a global pandemic, the role of community sports in promoting mental and physical well-being and social connections became even more crucial in a post-COVID world.

In NSW, the cricket community also experienced some notable changes. This season marked the first uninterrupted season since 2019/20, allowing for a more regular rhythm to return.

A significant highlight was the 9.5% growth in participation among 5–12-yearolds playing cricket in NSW. This growth aligns with the prioritization of this age group through CNSW’s Wildly Important Goal (WIG).

Cricket Blast and Junior Cricket, which serve as the foundation of the game, witnessed increased participation, particularly in Cricket Blast (up 35% from 21/22). However, junior cricket in Stage 1 and Stage 2 saw a slight decline (down 3% from 21/22). Transitioning Cricket Blast participants to junior cricket and fostering growth in Stage 1 and Stage 2 will be a key focus for the upcoming season.

Female participation also saw significant growth, with a 41% increase in female cricketers aged 5-12 compared to 2021/22. This positive trend highlights the importance of nurturing female involvement in the game and creating local participation pathways for their continued engagement.

The transition from MyCricket to the PlayHQ platform was a major undertaking due to widespread recognition that MyCricket was no longer fit for purpose. Although the transition faced challenges in its initial season, improvements were made throughout the year. The consolidation of the Community Cricket website and PlayCricket under a single platform, along with the rebranding of the MyCricket app, aims to enhance the user experience and provide true benefits in the upcoming season.

Other notable highlights include the growth of the Competition Administration Support Program, Country Blitz’s regional engagement tour, significant multicultural participation growth, match-day experiences for Cricket Blast participants, and All Abilities programs delivered to special schools. The Voice of Customer

program has also been instrumental in gathering feedback to drive decisionmaking.

The annual Community Cricket Awards recognised outstanding grassroots volunteers. Amanda Fraser from Glenorie District Cricket Club, the first female President in the club’s history, received the Volunteer of the Year award. Elysa Oliveri from Blowfly Cricket Club was honoured with the Young Leader of the Year award for her contribution to allabilities cricket. These awards, along with others, celebrated the dedication and commitment of volunteers across NSW.

The Community Cricket staffing structure underwent significant changes, with a redesigned structure focused on club and association support, program delivery, competition administration support, and subject matter experts. The goal remains to achieve 80,000 5–12-year-olds playing cricket by the end of the FY26 season.

The Community Cricket Yearbook reflects on the season, celebrating achievements and recognizing the efforts of volunteers who provide opportunities for people to play cricket. Cricket NSW is committed to inspiring everyone to play and love the game, and the contributions of volunteers are highly valued.

Enjoy the read!

Best wishes,

Martin Gleeson General Manager, Community Cricket Experience

NSW COMMUNITY CRICKET’S PARTICIPATION SUMMARY SNAPSHOT

161,243 Cricket Registrations Registered participation +8% on 2021/22

43,298

Five-12 Year-Old Players

19,699 Cricket Blast Registrations

37.02% More Cricket Blasters Than Last Season

2,797 Coaches Registered With PlayHQ Cricket Blast +38% on 2021/22

+2% in 13-17 years registered participation on 2021/22

SNAPSHOT

52 All-Girls Programs

450,389 Wickets Taken

9,099,428 Runs Scored

1,211 Games Venues Used

123% female Cricket Blast growth since pre-COVID (2019/20)

5,921 Female Cricket Blasters

WOOLWORTHS

Woolworths Cricket Blast registrations in NSW surpassed the highest previously recorded season total with over 18,501 children signed up to play and love cricket in 2022-23, an increase from the previously highest recorded number of 17,947 in 2020-21. This has been achieved in collaboration with our cricket community and the engagement of clubs and associations who we are working with to inspire everyone to play and enjoy the game.

There were other significant milestones reached in the space of 5-12-year-olds

GROWING THE GAME

WHERE: Harris Park Cricket Club

REGION: Parramatta

WHEN: January 2023

Harris Park Cricket Club is a new club in Parramatta with one junior team. To grow their junior participants, the club successfully ran a Woolworths Community Funded program with over 100 registered participants. On the back of this program and in preparation for the 2022/23 season, the club held their first ever Woolworths Cricket Blast program in the spring and had 17 registered boys and girls participating in their club program.

registering to play cricket too. A total of 43,264 5–12-year-olds, a combination of those who play Woolworths Cricket Blast and junior club cricket, registered to play cricket this season.

NSW also saw the highest number of girls playing cricket in history. In unprecedented results, more than 8,300 girls in the 5-12-year-old age group registered to play this season. Among the girls who registered, over 5,600 of them signed up for Woolworths Cricket Blast, more than double the 2,433 girls who played Woolworths Cricket Blast in the

2019-20 season, the last before the global pandemic. The never-before recorded registration numbers are a testimony to Cricket NSW’s focused efforts to grow the game in the state like never before and reach a goal of 80,000 5–12-year-olds playing cricket by the 2025/26 season.

More than 5000 children signed up to play Woolworths Cricket Blast this season, than the 201920 season.

FROM FAR FAR AWAY

WHERE: Broken Hill

REGION: Far West

WHEN: August 2022

Girls from some of the state’s remotest areas travelled from their towns to converge on Broken Hill to be a part of a pop-up Woolworths Cricket Blast program organised by Cricket NSW and delivered by homegrown talent and wicketkeeper for NSW’s u-19 Country squad, Katie Letcher. The program saw girls travelling from places as far as Ivanhoe, Menindee, Packsaddle, White Cliffs and Pooncarie to play in the program alongside Broken Hill’s local girls and learn fundamental cricketing skills through a range of activities and games.

CHRISTMAS CRICKET

WHERE: Sutherland

REGION: Sydney South

WHEN: December 2022 and January 2023

The Sutherland Shire Junior Cricket Association (SSJCA) normally end their self-run Junior Woolworths Cricket Blast program at Christmas, but this year, they extended their Junior Blast season for five extra weeks post the Christmas week to run parallel with Master Blast season for a reduced registration fee. The fiveweek extended program had Junior Blast participants playing modified Master Blast games, as an endeavour to introduce both the children and their parents to what would be the next stage of the

cricket pathway, as well as providing the scope to pick up new skills beyond the Junior Blast activities they were doing pre-Christmas.

Junior Blasters acquired Master Blaster skills throughout this program.

Cricket Blasters transitioned to play Junior Cricket in this one-season-old club .

NSW Country player Katie Letcher joined the girls to give back to the community she grew up in.

CRICKET BLAST

BLAST IN THE PARK

WHERE: Ted Burge Reserve, Merrylands

WHEN: March 2023

REGION: Sydney South

THUNDER DOWN UNDER

WHERE: Lavington Oval, Albury-Wodonga

REGION: Southern Inland

WHEN: December 2023

In preparation for the BBL Thunder v Hurricanes match at Lavington Oval, Cricket NSW partnered with Cricket Albury Wodonga (CAW) to provide a free skills clinic for children in the local community. The response was overwhelming, with over 100 kids registering for the hour-long clinic and receiving complimentary entry to the match, courtesy of CAW.

Two local clubs joined forces to deliver a free program that made waves.

This Woolworths Community Funded Cricket Blast program saw over 100 children register to participate at Ted Burge Reserve in Merrylands, where local clubs Wenty Waratahs and Harris Park cricket clubs joined forces to get involved and help deliver the program.

WHEN RACHAEL HAYNES MET NEW BLASTERS

WHERE: Galungara Cricket Club, Schofields

REGION: Blacktown

WHEN: October 2022

The one-season old Galungara Cricket Club tried its hand at Woolworths Cricket Blast for the first time with the help of the Community Cricket Experience staff and it was a resounding success. The local school, Galungara Public, already ran a hugely successful after-school program which had 160 registrations. About 55 percent of the kids registered for the new program run by the club, and because of the high demand, the club ran another program in Term 1. During the season, the club also hosted a meetand-greet with Sydney Thunder captain Rachael Haynes, which was a great event for the club to be part of.

As an added treat, Thunder captain Jason Sangha dropped in to meet the young participants, take photos with them and sign autographs.

Legendary Australian, NSW Breakers and Sydney Thunder batter Rachael Haynes showed up to help a club that was growing cricket at the grassroots.

WOMEN’S & GIRLS’ CRICKET

Cricket NSW had a remarkable year, breaking registration records with over 8,300 5-12 year-old girls playing in Woolworths Cricket Blast and junior girls’ cricket.

These achievements were made possible through key initiatives and the dedication of club volunteers and Community Cricket Experience staff . The Commonwealth Bank’s support through Cricket Australia’s Growing Cricket for Girls Fund also played a role in funding these programs. The season began with after-school programs for girls, attracting over 700 participants in Term 2, despite not being cricket season traditionally. Additionally, the launch of WiCKETs, funded by a NSW Government Her Sport Her Way Grant, and the inaugural national Women’s and Girls’ Week, in collaboration with Cricket Australia, further promoted girls’ involvement in cricket, fostering growth at both the junior and senior levels.

Join the WiCKETS group here: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/wicketwomen

In November, Australian cricket celebrated its first annual Women’s and Girls’ Week, a collaboration between Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW, during the week of the WBBL finals from November 21 to 27. The week highlighted the growth in participation and profile of women’s and girls’ cricket in Australia and celebrated those who have driven this growth, including women’s cricket pioneers, administrators, players, umpires, volunteers and others. For the next seven days, CNSW carried out activities celebrating great female role models and programs that are driving growth and participation of women in the sport, including organising a Girls’ Club Photo Competition which saw unprecedented success with clubs across NSW sending photos of their women and girls playing cricket.

Throughout the season, clubs and volunteers worked hard to ensure that girls could play in either girlsonly competitions or in mixed teams, culminating in an increase in Junior Girls Cricket and Senior Women’s Cricket.

NOTCHING UP THE NUMBERS

WHERE: Warriewood Sports Valley, Warriewood

REGION: Northern Beaches WHEN:  February and March, 2023

Cricket NSW collaborated with the Peninsula Cricket Club to conduct an all-girls Woolworths Cricket Blast program, providing 14 girls with their first cricket experience at Warriewood Sports Field in Warriewood.

POP-UP SCHOOL CRICKET

WHERE: Minnamurra Public School, Minnamurra, Queanbeyan Public School, Queanbeyan REGION: Illawarra, Southern Inland

WHEN: November, 2022 to March, 2022

The season started with after-school programs for girls funded by the Growing Cricket For Girls Fund. Term 2 saw over 700 girls participating, setting the stage for a record-breaking year. Minnamurra Public School’s girls-only Lunchtime Cricket Blast

Program, funded by the Sporting Schools program, attracted 230 registrations in Term 4. Queanbeyan Public School also launched a girls-only lunchtime program, engaging 45 girls in December.

More and more girls are coming in to play and love cricket across the state via girls-only programs.

SHE DID PLAY

WHERE: Across NSW REGION: All regions

WHEN: August, 2022 to March, 2022

Through the NSW Government’s Her Sport Her Way Grant, Cricket NSW delivered coaching sessions called ‘She Can Play’ in targeted areas. Notably, NSW Breakers stars Stella Campbell and Anika Learoyd coached a local girls’ squad in Sydney’s Hills District. Learoyd and teammate

The girls of the Peninsula Cricket Club received nationwide attention in media when this photo of them was featured with the news of 20,000 girls signing up to play cricket in Australia this season.

SammyJo Johnson facilitated highperformance training for Winston Hills Cricket Club’s Stage 1 and Stage 2 teams.

The program enabled current players to coach and inspire junior female players.

HIT WiCKETs

WHERE: Across NSW REGION: All regions

WHEN: September 2022 to Ongoing

SURPRISE VISIT

WHERE: St John Bosco Cricket Club, Engadine

REGION: Sutherland

WHEN: November

IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

WHERE: Various grounds in Penrith, Nepean-Hawkesbury

REGION: Nepean/Hawkesbury

The target was to get 200 WiCKETs – but this number was quickly surpassed and now stands at over 330 women.

In September, WiCKETs launched as a networking initiative in partnership with the Her Sport Her Way Program from the NSW Office of Sport. The initiative aimed to connect and share best practice among females in cricket, with the launch held at Charter Hall’s offices in Sydney CBD. The event featured Karen Robbins, a Cricket NSW board member, and the CEO of the Office of Sport. Karen Jones. Charter Hall are the major partner of the NSW Breakers.

WOMEN & GIRLS’ WEEK

WHERE: Across NSW REGION: All regions

WHEN: November 2022

Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW collaborated to celebrate the inaugural Women and Girls Week during the WBBL finals . The week highlighted the contributions of women in cricket, beginning with a video featuring representative women and girls from seven states and territories in conversation with former Australian women’s team captain and NSW great, Lisa Sthalekar. CNSW shared stories throughout the week, showcasing women and girls in cricket across NSW.

Ashleigh Gardner, Alana King and Annabel Sutherland from the Australia Women’s Cricket team surprised a local cricket club in Engadine, offering young players the opportunity to meet their cricket idols. St John Bosco Cricket Club played a pioneering role in promoting girls’ cricket in the Sutherland region by organising an all-girls cricket competition.

WHEN: February and March, 2023

After a five-year absence, the local Hawkesbury and Penrith associations joined forces to revive the Thunder Girls Cricket League. Four teams participated in the There were over 40 girls participate in the six-week competition at the end of summer in 2023, exceeding the goal of 24 participants.

ALL READY IN ALBURY

WHERE: North St Oval, Albury REGION: Riverina

WHEN: October to December 2022

The Cricket Albury Wodonga Girls’ Social Competition, re-established two years ago, witnessed a significant increase in participation from 45 to 85 girls this season. Managed by local volunteer Maddison Howard, the competition featured eight teams playing every Monday night over a six-week period.

PLAYING TO A CROWD

WHERE: Welby Oval

REGION: Shoalhaven

WHEN: September

Women’s cricket competitions thrived in NSW, with Bowral Cricket Club winning the Tina Macpherson Cup in the grand final of the Highlands women’s competition. The showdown at Welby Oval attracted over 150 spectators, as the Wingello Tigers finished with 8 for 89 off their 20 overs after winning the toss.

This was the first nationally celebrated Women & Girls’ Week in Australian cricket.

Young girls now account for 38 per cent of Engadine CC’s s junior cricketers.

The cricket league was featured in the magazines Nepean Times and Western Times.

The number of girls playing the social competition almost doubled this year from its first edition last year.

OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS

As the 2022/23 season draws to a close, it is time to celebrate the volunteers and all those who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to making our goal to be regarded as a world class customer focused organisation. Cricket NSW is immensely proud of the outstanding contribution these volunteers make to the success of cricket in NSW, and the work these individuals, clubs and associations make at the grassroots level.

The cricket community came together in Albury, Coffs Harbour, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and Sydney Showground Stadium to honour 86 outstanding volunteers at Cricket NSW’s volunteer recognition brunches and lunches. Staged at various locations, Martin Gleeson, General Manager, Community Cricket Experience and Craig McLean, Head of Community Cricket, addressed the audiences, giving them an insight into their professional working career as well as acknowledging the support of volunteers in the community. Some long-term volunteers were also presented with a letter of thanks personally signed by Gleeson.

Cricket NSW would love to have you join us as a volunteer! For opportunities, visit www.cricketnsw.com.au

CRICKET FOR LIFE

WHERE: Wenty Waratahs Cricket Club, Merrylands

REGION: Parramatta

WHEN: Across many seasons

BOX SEATS

WHERE: Sydney Showground Stadium

REGION: Multiple

WHEN: Across the season

Volunteers with 20 years of dedication to the game were rewarded with a corporate box experience watching the Sydney Thunder play. Players from the Thunder popped in for a visit, providing a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to capture the memory.

Ray Horder is one of Cricket NSW’s, and even all of Australia’s, most celebrated volunteers, and with good reason. Horder was CNSW’s Volunteer of the Year in 2022. He has given 64 years of service to Wenty Waratahs Cricket Club in Western Sydney, including 52 years as a volunteer,

of which 25 years has been as the club’s President. He’s also volunteered for 46 years on the board at Parramatta District Cricket Association and has spent nine of them as PDCA president. Ray continues to coach junior teams.

In 2019, Horder was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to cricket.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of community cricket and because of their efforts the game will continue to grow.

CENTRE STAGE

WHERE: Sydney Showground Stadium

REGION: Multiple

WHEN: January 2023

Volunteers from more than 10 clubs were a part of the opening ceremony of Day 1 of the Pink Test at the SCG in January this year. Wearing their club colours, the diverse group of volunteers had the privilege of holding the Australian and South African flags.

BBL BLOCKBUSTER

WHERE: Coffs Harbour

REGION: Northern NSW

WHEN: January 2023

Volunteers from Northern NSW were acknowledged as part of the festivities at the KFC BBL match between the Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour. Donny Lewington was one of the volunteers recognised for his long-term service to Tamworth District Cricket Association and North Tamworth Cricket Club, where he has been involved for close to three decades. Donny is a wonderful example of the many volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that people can love and play cricket.

BORDER MAIL

WHERE: Albury

REGION: Riverina

WHEN: December 2022

The last day of December, prior to this season’s only BBL match in Albury featuring Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes at Lavington Sports Ground, Cricket NSW held a ‘thank you’ function for all the volunteers from local clubs who continue to contribute to the growth of the game we all love.

Club volunteers came together to share the experience of walking on the hallowed turf of the SCG, creating lifelong memories.

Regional volunteers enjoying BBL Festivities in Coffs Harbour.

It was a great start to the day which went on to host the BBL match that Sydney Thunder won.

CRICKET NSW ROADSHOWS

With the 2022/23 season done and dusted, it was time for our leaders to get on the road to participate in a dialogue with our volunteers from clubs and associations to exchange thought on what the future holds. Our CEO Lee Germon, Community Cricket Experience General Manager Martin Gleeson, and a host of senior Cricket NSW officials travelling the state all through May. Starting in Kiama, the Roadshow went on to Wagga Wagga and Goulburn before landing in Sydney for a couple of days during the third week of May and then moving north to Newcastle and Lismore before finishing on the Far South Coast at Bega on May 30.

The roadshow successfully provided valuable insights into the latest trends and initiatives within cricket across New South Wales. Participants had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and stay up to date with CNSW’s strategy and planning for the next season.

A key feature of each session was the opportunity to listen to the needs of our volunteers and to wo rkshop and collaborate on the direction we want to go together. During the sessions, the following topics were discussed:

1. State of Play: The state of cricket in NSW was discussed along with the direction and current challenges faced by the game.

2. CNSW Integrity & Risk Framework: Cricket NSW presented their comprehensive Integrity & Risk Framework, aimed at maintaining the highest ethical standards and mitigating potential risks within the sport.

3. PlayHQ & Grassroots Digital Transformation: This session reported on learnings from year one of PlayHQ, year two developments and the future direction of the grassroots digital transformation project.

4. Refined Woolworths Cricket Blast Program: Participants were introduced to the refinements of the Woolworths Cricket Blast Program, which combines Junior Blaster and Master Blasters into one unified and simplified Cricket Blast program.

5. Competition Administration Support Program: This session highlighted the successes of the program over the past 12 months and outline the opportunity for associations to join to support the delivery of their competitions.

Over 230 volunteers were involved in the sessions across NSW, who all appreciated the opportunity to network and contribute to the growth and development of the sport. The interactive nature of the sessions fostered collaborative discussions, leading to valuable insights and knowledge sharing.

Cricket NSW expressed their gratitude to all the participants and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting and nurturing cricket across New South Wales. The success of the roadshow reflects the strong passion and dedication of the cricket community in the state.

If you’ve missed the Roadshow, learn about upcoming Cricket NSW events and initiatives via www.cricketnsw.com.au

CRICKET’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

This summer, Australian Cricket partnered with community sport operating system provider PlayHQ to build a modern, intuitive, cloud-based platform for community cricket clubs and competitions across Australia.

The new platform is designed to help with core registrations, payments, competition management, match scoring and statistics.

PlayHQ is the first step in a longerterm strategy to transform the digital experience for Australian grassroots cricket.

A primary focus on the transition for associations and clubs from MyCricket to PlayHQ was to provide comprehensive training, education and support through face-to-face onboarding sessions, platform prompts, booking one on one sessions, virtual webinars, support articles and ongoing support from Cricket Australia’s customer support team. Not all went to plan with the transition in the first year, with the product and some of the areas of focus listed above falling short of expectations. The system did improve over the course of the season and our volunteers and the game’s supporters will begin to see the long-term benefits of the changes coming in to season two.

There were some positives. One year into the digital transformation has seen Cricket NSW achieve a 90% adoption of the PlayHQ platform across our 179 associations and 1191 affiliate clubs.

Cricket NSW is committed to PlayHQ and will continue to work in the off season to ensure that the product and experience improves. This includes key learnings from this season to inform our future support and practice, working with Cricket Australia and PlayHQ to ensure that

the product functionality expands and improves to meet our needs, collaborating with Australian cricket and other PlayHQ users to identify the best practice for Year 2, and evaluating what training opportunities we will offer in the lead-up to season 2023/24 to help reduce the early season administrative burden and improve e-scoring take up.

COMPETITION ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT

Cricket NSW’s Competition

Administration Support Program began in 2017/18 with a small pilot of one full time coordinator and two part time coordinators, covering five associations.

The purpose of the program is to alleviate volunteer burden, assist in the growth of cricket and provide expertise in systems such as PlayHQ, by professionalising the administration of the game at a localised level.

The program assists associations in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:

• PlayHQ expertise and troubleshooting

• Fixturing, ladders and statistical reporting

• Ground registry and bookings

• Training in PlayHQ and E-Scoring

• Communications liaison between association, councils, and their clubs

• Oversight over many associations allows us to share best practices

• Implement committee decisions

The above allows time back for volunteers to focus on their club growth and participant experience. For the 22/23 season there were 31 partners spread across the state, which equates to 34% of all junior participants.

Cricket NSW Relationship Ecosystem

The relationship ecosystem below highlights the additional Cricket NSW experts that assist the Competition Coordination Team and thus support the partners who are in the program. For this season there was a team of seven staff that oversee and support our 31 partners.

KEEP ON MOVIN’

WHERE: Singleton District Junior Cricket Association

REGION: Hunter/Manning

WHEN: 2022/23 season

The Singleton DJCA faced challenges in the 22/23 season due to low registration numbers in the older age groups. Rain and low registrations caused issues early on, but the Singleton community came together to find a solution. Given their partnership with the Competition Administration Support team, they were able to create a new format, capture registrations and fixture games for the season. The new format, divided the registered participants into four “half teams” and allowing them to rotate, ensuring that all players had the opportunity to participate and get involved.

MORE CRICKET IN COWRA

WHERE: Cowra

REGION: Central West

WHEN: Throughout the season

With the Competition coordination team freeing up time for Cowra Junior Cricket Association to organise more and more cricket in a region, Cowra’s cricket landscape saw a sea change last year that led to its winning the Cricket NSW Junior Cricket Initiative of the Year 2022/23 award. CJCA was also finalists for Cricket Australia Finalists for Junior Cricket Initiative of the Year 2022/23.

SIXERS CRICKET LEAGUE

WHERE: Rowland Park, Daceyville

REGION: Inner Sydney

WHEN: January 2023

Their Cricket Blast program registered 49 participants, over double their previous best of 19 in 2019-20)

Cricket NSW’s competition coordination team organised a four-day ‘carnival of cricket’ in January 2023 to meet the high demand for playing cricket during a time when the sport was prominent on TV and regular competitions were on hold. Local clubs and players formed teams for the Stage 1 and 2 competitions. The carnival featured multiple rounds of matches each day, culminating in a final round. A full fixture of 10 teams participated in this first season.

The feedback from parents and participants provided post-carnival has encouraged CNSW to expand the existing competition for each season as well as to offer further opportunities across NSW.

ON-GROUND ENGAGEMENT

The Community Cricket Experience (CCE) team have been kept very busy this season creating on-ground experiences (OGE) to thank our junior cricket community of players and volunteers.

Throughout the 2022/23 season, the onground international and BBL match day activations included over 1,000 people, across 59 activations during 30 match days. The participation of 119 volunteers from 61 clubs and associations and 775 Woolworths Cricket Blast and Junior Cricket participants taking to the field made every event one to remember, and not just for the matches being played.

The players and volunteers thoroughly enjoyed their activities including:

• Flag Bearers: Internationals and Test match

• Anthem Ceremonies: Test Match

• Lunchbreak activities Junior Blast: Test Match

• Lunchbreak activities Master Blast: Test Match

• Volunteer Walk: Test Match

• Blast Squad: Sixers & Thunder BBL/ WBBL matches

FROM THE HEARTS OF LEGENDS

WHERE: Oaks Oval, Lismore

REGION: Far North Coast

WHEN: March 2023

The legendary players happily connected with the locals, taking photos, signing autographs and giving away equipment.

WITH THE FLAGS FLYING HIGH

WHERE: North Sydney Oval, North Sydney

REGION: Northern Beaches

WHEN: January 2023

On January 24, 2023, at North Sydney Oval, girls from the u-15s teams from Collaroy Plateau Cricket Club and Peninsula Junior Cricket Club had the opportunity to be flagbearers for the first WT20I match between Australia and Pakistan.

They were great ambassadors for their clubs, all had a wonderful day, and enjoyed seeing Australia come away with the win

“Thank you again for this amazing experience! My son Matthew was very happy to have Steve Smith sign his hat, so a definite highlight for him. He jumped for joy when he ran off the field!”

[Bubble] “I wanted to say a big thank you from my wife, myself and of course my daughter, . I just want you to know how much we appreciate all you are doing for our young female cricket players.”

On Saturday, March 15, 2023, a former Lismore local lad called Gilly, who answers to the name of Adam Gilchrist to the rest of the world, enlisted a couple of mates to play in the “Heart of Sport Legends 20/20 Cricket Day” against the Mayor’s X1 at Oaks Oval. The floods that devastated the region in 2022 are still very visible and raw. The flood waters reached the roof of the grandstand at Oaks Oval, and despite the ongoing reconstruction, nearly 4000 locals piled into the ground and enjoyed the match with players such as Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Jason Gillespie, Andy Bichel, Chris Lynn, Stuart Clark, Steve O’Keefe, Dan Christian, Jimmy Maher, and Michael Kasprowicz front and centre with the bat and ball.

This was massive for the region, a view shared by Mayor Steve Krieg, council staff and the community who were entertained and inspired by the event.

THE COWRA CONNECTION

WHERE: Sydney Cricket Ground

REGION: Central West

WHEN: January 2023

THE BEST TEST

WHRE: Sydney Cricket Ground

REGION: Inner Sydney

WHEN: January 2023

Woolworths Cricket Blast participants and Junior Cricketers were involved in several activations throughout the Pink Test from January 4-7, 2023. Activations included flag bearers, anthem ceremonies, lunchbreak activities for both Junior and Master Blasters as well as a Volunteer Walk as a way of thanking all those involved in community cricket. Hosting a total of 470 kids and adults over the four days, 349 of which were Woolworths Cricket Blast and Junior Cricket participants from 30 clubs or associations, it was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to step on to the hallowed turf of the SCG.

REAPING THE REWARDS

WHERE: Sydney Showground

Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park

REGION: Hawkesbury/Nepean

WHEN: January 2023

Eighteen of Cowra’s Master Blaster cricketers caught up with members of the Australian Test team when they played against South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January. The Cowra Junior Blasters were among the junior cricket contingent that provided lunch time entertainment for the crowd during the Pink Test. This year, Cowra has 47 Woolworths Cricket Blasters, the most they have ever had, and it was an absolute pleasure to see so many of these children have the opportunity to display their skills at the SCG and meet the Australian players.

Wilberforce Cricket Club made the return to Woolworths Cricket Blast this season after a couple of flood-affected years in the Hawkesbury. The 2022/23 season saw the Wilberforce Cricket Club form a new committee, taking a progressive approach to cricket with Blasters, zing stumps and ambitions to get a Frogbox! To reward the club for their efforts, CNSW awarded the whole club (20-odd juniors) a spot in the on-ground experience at a Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers match.

A group of 50 young cricketers and their families who travelled by bus over 500kms from Coonamble Cricket Club to be a part on the onfield experience.

Wilberforce Cricket Club made the return to Woolworths Cricket Blast this season after a couple of flood-affected years in the Hawkesbury.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Cricket NSW organised 53 new school holiday programs across the state during the summer break, providing cricket opportunities to children aged 5-10. Supported by the Woolworths Community Fund (WWCF), these programs were active from December to January. The majority of the programs were Woolworths Cricket Blast for 5-10 year-olds, with over 1,500 children registered. The goal was to inspire kids to play and love cricket, reaching every corner of the state.

A TON ON THE BOARD

WHERE: Monty Bennett Oval

REGION: Parramatta

WHEN: January 2023

Parramatta hosted a two-day Cumberland WWCF School Holiday program with 100 registered participants. The program connected kids to the local cricket club, supported by Wenty Leagues Cricket Club.

WONDERFUL IN WAGGA

WHERE: Robertson Oval, Wagga Wagga

REGION: Southern Inland

WHEN: December 2022

Over 50 enthusiastic children enjoyed the Woolworths Cricket Blast school holiday program in Wagga Wagga. Woolworths generously provided 40kg of fruit and 200 bottles of water, making the program healthy and enjoyable for the kids. The program fostered new friendships, allowed participants to learn new cricket skills, and cultivated a love for the game.

The program brought families together just before Christmas.

WOOLIES WORTH

WHERE: Camden District Cricket Association, Ingleburn

REGION: Macarthur

WHEN: January 2023

The January Holiday Program in Ingleburn had 19 registered participants. Woolworths provided support with a gazebo, fresh fruit, water and ice. A dedicated staff member ensured everything was stocked up for the participants.

Cricket NSW conducts holiday programs year-round during school holidays. Visit www.playcricket.com.au to find a program near you!

Woolworths Wentworthville provided the Woolworths Cricket Blasters with fruit and water.

The Woolworths staff member became an integral part of the holiday program and even posed for photos with the players.

HIT FOR A SIXER

WHERE: Northern Beaches

REGION: Northern Beaches

WHEN: January 2023

THE RIGHT COMBO

WHERE: Kirkham Oval, Camden

REGION: Macarthur

WHEN: January 2023

The Sydney Thunder January School Holiday Blast and Stage 1 Program in Camden had 34 participants. Woolworths Cricket Blast players learned basic skills through fun games, while Stage 1 students received six hours of focused coaching.

BEXLEY BLAST

WHERE: Bexley North Public School

REGION: Inner Sydney

WHEN: January 2023

Almost 90 kids had a real Blast for two action-packed days at the Northern Beaches School Holiday Program. The high catching competition was a big hit with the children.

TWO REGIONS WITH ONE BLAST

WHERE: Pratten Park

REGION: Inner Sydney, Sydney South West

WHEN: January 2023

SHARING SPACES

WHERE: Endeavour High School

REGION: Sutherland

WHEN: January 2023

The all-girls School Holiday Program at Endeavour High School attracted 18 registrations. Cricket NSW utilized the Share our Space initiative and received support from Woolworths to run the program.

Bexley North Public School hosted a four-day holiday program as part of the Share our Space initiative. 80 children participated across the four days. A minimum of five staff, including a Blast Specialist and Cricket Manager, provided support. This successful event opened opportunities for future programs and attracted kids new to cricket.

TO THE LIGHTHOUSE OVAL

WHERE: Ulladulla

REGION: Shoalhaven

WHEN: January 2023

This program showcased the collaboration between cricket managers to bring cricket to as many children as possible across two regions.

The Pratten Park school holiday program brought children from Inner Sydney and Sydney South-West together. Funded by WWCF, the program saw an amazing response with 100 registered participants (75 boys and 25 girls). This program also helped promote nearby clubs and upcoming girls-only programs in Ashfield.

LIVE-SCORED MATCHES

WHERE: Duffy’s Oval, Terrigal

REGION: Central Coast

WHEN: January 2023

Following this interest and parent feedback, Cricket NSW ran two other all-girls programs at nearby schools, Sylvania and Engadine,with returning and new participants.

The Central Coast organised a Woolworths Cricket Blast Holiday Camp and a Stage 1 Junior Cricket holiday competition. The Stage 1 carnival, a fourgame format, involved six teams and had live scoring through PlayHQ. The program received registrations from 82 players and was officiated by junior umpires who had completed the Level 1 Umpiring

Ulladulla Cricket Club’s Tara Rudd, who is a Cricket NSW Pathways female player, was very engaged during the day, running activities, and coaching the girls.

Cricket NSW partnered with local clubs in the Shoalhaven region for successful one-day programs. Over 90 participants registered, and Woolworths provided support with fresh fruit and water.

course. Central Coast Cricket Manager David Winiata, Blast Specialist James Wootton, and local club volunteers supervised the clinics and brought the events to life.

Local clubs supplied three Flicx pitches for use in the Stage 1 matches.

Sydney Sixers player Jack Edwards dropped by and stayed back for photos and autographs.

The Stage 1 students were coached by the very experienced Steve Davies, who is a Level 3 accredited coach.

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

With cross-stream collaboration and creativity, the Community Cricket Experience team has revamped school engagement. We continued to offer Health and PE programs, Sporting Schools, Mascot Challenge, and School Cups, while emphasising involving local clubs and communicating program information to parents. These initiatives are crucial for maintaining school engagement and fostering the cricket culture. To enhance participation, Cricket Australia’s funding allowed us to offer cricket programs

BEACH BLAST

at various times and days throughout the year, taking a ‘365-days-a-year’ approach to school engagement.

The Woolworths Cricket Fund enables us to provide Before, Lunchtime, and After School programs to children, including those from multicultural and lower socioeconomic backgrounds, disaster-stricken areas, and children with disabilities. Participants in the Woolworths Cricket Blast programs are always given a next step, whether it is joining their local

club or another Cricket NSW centre. The Growing Cricket For Girls Fund focuses on increasing girls’ participation and love for cricket, and we plan to continue this growth.

In collaboration with the NSW Government, we are targeting culturally and linguistically diverse schools in Sydney, working with a third-party provider to engage previously unengaged schools and alleviate the workload on our casual workforce.

WHERE: Manly Beach

REGION: Northern Beaches

WHEN: March 2023

In March, Cricket NSW piloted the Beach Blast program with 40 students from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School at Manly Beach. This initiative aims to connect the coastal lifestyle with cricket, offering a fun and alternative environment for children to learn new skills amidst the salty air.

YES, MINISTER

WHERE: Kings Langley Public School

REGION: Blacktown

WHEN: August 2022

The Woolworths Breakfast Blast program received recognition when the former NSW Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell, visited Kings Langley Public School. This program is part of the state government’s extended hours pilot project, providing meaningful activities to students before and after school. The Woolworths Breakfast Blast, operated by Cricket NSW’s School Experience team, ran in eight primary schools across the state, offering cricketing skills and a warm breakfast served by Woolworths.

The program leads the charge for other variances of Woolworths Cricket Blast games on the sand.

The Blast Specialists who organise Breakfast Blasts start their day at an ungodly 5am to get everything plugged and ready for breakfast before they start teaching cricketing skills to the children.

ONE FOR THE GIRLS ON WOMEN’S DAY

WHERE: Collaroy Plateau Public School

REGION: Northern Beaches

WHEN: March 2023

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

WHERE: Lady Cutler Ovals, Dubbo

REGION: Far West

WHEN: Term 4 2022

Despite initial flooding challenges, the Woolworths Cricket Blast format was successfully introduced in Dubbo, with 14 teams participating in the Dubbo PSSA girls’ cricket competition over four weeks.

What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than kicking off an all-girls Woolworths Cricket Blast program on the Northern Beaches?

LUNCHTIME CRICKET

WHERE: St Joseph’s Primary School Gilgandra

REGION: Far West

WHEN: November/ December 2022

In collaboration with students from Gilgandra High School, Cricket NSW delivered a girls-only pop-up Woolworths Cricket Blast program over four lunchtime sessions for more than 20 girls. The program incorporated fun games and allowed high school students to develop their leadership and communication skills, while assisting with program delivery.

PLAY CRICKET WITH HANNAH DARLINGTON

WHERE: Glebe Public School, Glebe

REGION: Inner Sydney

WHEN: January 2023

High school students got a first-hand opportunity to train as Woolworths Cricket Blast coordinators.

Cricket NSW launched an after-school program at Glebe Public School, where NSW star player and Australia’s Indigenous Team cricket captain, Hannah Darlington, assisted with the first week. Following their successful Daughters and Dads night, the school was thrilled to have cricket back on campus, with 30 children signing up to play in the afterschool program.

An all-girls Woolworths Cricket Blast program at Collaroy Plateau Public School on the Northern Beaches saw 31 enthusiastic girls join in for a four-week action packed program on March 8, 2023.

The Dubbo PSSA and teachers deserve a great vote of thanks for organising this opportunity for the girls.

MULTICULTURAL ENGAGEMENT

Cricket NSW has successfully engaged children from diverse multicultural communities, introducing them to the game and promoting cricket playing opportunities. This season, 41.5% of cricket participants aged 5-12 have at least one parent born overseas, reflecting Australia’s multiculturalism. Indian-born parents make up 27.4% of parents born overseas, with the next highest percentage belonging to parents born in Pakistan. Cricket NSW has partnered with Multicultural NSW and the Woolworths Community Fund to deliver targeted programs in areas with high multicultural populations. These initiatives include school programs, after-school activities, and community-based centres, aiming to connect children with local cricket clubs.

Children born in 76 countries play Woolworths Cricket Blast in NSW.

CASTLE HILL HOLIDAY HUB

WHERE: Castle Hill

REGION: Sydney North West

WHEN: January 2023

The Castle Hill Holiday Hub provided a four-week cricket program to engage children from the South Asian community. Supported by the Woolworths Community Fund, participants had the opportunity to join the Castle Hill RSL Cricket Club.

LANDING IN LIVERPOOL

WHERE: Liverpool

REGION: Sydney South West

WHEN: February 2023

Among the participants were 20 girls.

WE HEART PAKISTAN

WHERE: North Sydney Oval

REGION: Sydney North

WHEN: January 2023

Pakistani players from the national women’s cricket team interacted with around 20 young cricketers at North Sydney Oval, inspiring them to play and love cricket.

The program was a great success with eight participants registering Castle Hill RSL Cricket Club.

Al-Faisal College in Liverpool partnered with Cricket NSW to introduce cricket to their students, with 67 participants registering for the four-week program.

A TASTE OF THUNDER

WHERE: Blacktown International SportsPark

REGION: Blacktown

WHEN: October 2022

Multicultural NSW supported a Schools Gala Day, where 250 students from Northbourne Public School experienced cricket at Blacktown International Sportspark during the Sydney Thunder versus Hobart Hurricanes WBBL game.

The Pakistan players were fascinated by the idea of Woolworths Cricket Blast and the opportunities for children, especially girls, to play the game in Australia.

Students had the chance to engage with players during the innings break.

ALL ABILITIES PROGRAMS

Cricket NSW is a sport for all, and we strive to ensure that anyone can participate in our cricket programs. This season, we have witnessed a rise in the number of children and adults identifying as ‘all-abilities players’ joining Woolworths Cricket Blast, junior cricket, and senior cricket.

Cricket NSW’s Community Cricket Experience staff conducted over 16 programs in special schools across NSW, engaging with over 400 students. Notably, local cricket clubs have played a significant role in fostering an inclusive environment for all players.

CATCH IF YOU CAN

EVERYONE GETS TO BAT & BOWL

COME AND TRY CRICKET

WHERE: Orange, Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour, Cricket Central

REGION: Far West, Riverina, Mid North Coast, Parramatta

WHEN: August & September 2022

In collaboration with Blind Cricket NSW, four Come and Try days introduced blind cricket to visually impaired cricketers, with 18 female and 30 male players participating across the state.

WHERE: Port Macquarie Public School, Port Macquarie

REGION: Mid North Coast

WHEN: August 2022

45 children from the support unit at Port Macquarie Public School attended an inschool Woolworths Cricket Blast program after Sydney Sixers stars Maitlan Brown and Kurtis Patterson attended the school during the Country Blitz tour.

Cricket NSW have already signed up for another program next season.

DIFFERENT STROKES

WHERE: Jasper Road Public School, Baulkham Hills

REGION: North West Sydney

WHEN: February 2023

Jasper Road Public School introduced Woolworths Cricket Blast to 34 children, improving their running, movement, catching and throwing.

The students improved their catching and throwing skills working in pairs with other students.

WHERE: Bankstown Oval REGION: Bankstown WHEN: December 2023

Bankstown Oval’s long-running program for all-abilities players gained recognition on International Day of People with Disabilities. It has produced players such as Gareth Donahue, Omkar Dhupar and Ed Smith for the national and NSW Intellectual Disability (ID) teams. The program has 40 registered players attending sessions every second Sunday throughout the year.

EVERYONE IS COACHABLE

WHERE: Blowfly Cricket Club

REGION: Sydney North West

WHEN: Ongoing

Blowfly Cricket Club’s coaching program for people with disabilities challenged misconceptions to create a highly successful learning experience. The Level 1 coaching course equipped coaches to be able to work with all abilities athletes to teach cricket and aims to expand to Level 2, providing accreditation and coaching opportunities. The free course, facilitated by Josh Miller, a member of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai District Coaches’ Association, attracted ten attendees.

The Bankstown Oval All Abilities program is now over two decades old

Blind Cricket NSW coach Jason Stubbs was featured in Wagga Wagga newspaper The Daily Advertiser

Blowfly Cricket Club has set a remarkable example of how cricket is for everyone.

INDIGENOUS PROGRAMS

Cricket NSW is committed to reconciliation at every level of the game. In 2021, we developed our first Reconciliation Action Plan, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. It includes 87 actions across key pillars - relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance - to strengthen ties with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Throughout the year, CNSW and its clubs focus on reconciliation. A Reconciliation Round is held, where clubs design and

GIRLS IN UNIFORM

Where: West Pennant Hills

Public School

Region: Sydney North West

When: September 2022

The West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club unveiled their new Indigenous female cricket uniform, representing their club colours and the locations they practice and play. It also depicts family and friends who support them.

COMMITMENT TO RECONCILIATION

Where: Across NSW

Region: Across NSW

When: February 2023

wear Indigenous uniforms reflecting their local land. For example, the Parramatta Women’s Grade Cricket Club incorporates Indigenous designs on their shirts, representing the Dharug people, the traditional custodians of the Eora Region.

The West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club launched their new Indigenous female cricket uniform in the presence of Sydney Thunder and NSW Breakers’ Indigenous star, Anika Learoyd, and former Australian captain

Lisa Sthalekar last season. This leading club actively promotes female participation and delivers innovative experiences.

The Reconciliation Round in February saw clubs forming barefoot circles and wearing Indigenous uniforms. Social media shared images of these events. Woolworths Cricket Blast programs during holidays taught kids to make bats from wattle branches, emphasizing respect for the land and its people.

WATTLE BAT CRICKET

Where: North East Wiradjuri Co Ltd Cultural Centre, Rylstone

Region: Central West

When: January 2023

TRAILBLAZING DUO

Clubs and associations across the state observed and embraced Reconciliation Round and sent photos to us highlighting their involvement.

The Reconciliation Round for Premier cricket clubs and Community cricket clubs in New South Wales took place on February 11 and 12, demonstrating Cricket NSW’s commitment to reconciliation. Players and umpires formed pre-match barefoot circles and acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land. Clubs and associations across the state actively participated and shared photos.

At the North East Wiradjuri Co Ltd Cultural Centre School Holiday Program, Woolworths Cricket Blasters made bats from wattle trees and played cricket. The day concluded with a bush and culture walk and a closing ceremony.

Goonellabah sits just outside Lismore and the floods there have affected the lives of the local communities. This was a chance to bring back smiles to the youngsters’ faces for a while.

Where: Macleay and Goonellabah

Region: North Coast & Far North Coast

When: March 2023

Through targeted promotion and the Woolworths Community Funded program, the Macleay Cricket Blast program saw a significant increase in registrations. The program at Goonellabah Public School, supported by WWCF, also had a high Indigenous participation.

“It’s important for our youngest players to respect the land and its people, both on and off the field.” - Angus Norton, Cricket Manager, Central West

The girls participated in a workshop with Dharug leader Erin Wilkins to develop a club-specific Welcome to Country.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The season witnessed several infrastructure projects coming to life through the Australia Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF). Local councils, NSW’s Office of Sport, and companies collaborated on multi-sport infrastructure projects that benefited cricket facilities.

Cricket facilities in NSW received nearly $38 million in funding from Round 2 of the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund, an increase from the $31 million received in Round 1. The government has allocated $200 million to the fund, with over $100 million assigned to Round 2.

Approximately 16 out of the 39 projects funded in Round 2 will benefit cricket facilities and participation. Several projects are situated in and around Sydney, including Mosman, Fairfield, Penrith, and Ku-ring-gai. Regional areas also have new and upgraded projects in towns like Wollongong, Yass Valley, Pambula, Griffith, Picton, and Richmond Valley.

Additionally, cricket in NSW received a $6 million investment under the government’s Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Grant Program (FFCSF&LUGP) for 2022/23. Approximately 25% of the funding pool, amounting to over $6 million, will benefit cricket facilities across the state. The grants will assist 20 multi-sport and cricket facilities in upgrading lighting, change rooms, and female-specific amenities such as toilets, showers, storage space, and accessibility.

PITCH ON THE HILL

WHERE: Darrell Jackson Gardens, Summer Hill

REGION: Inner West

WHEN: December 2022

Darrell Jackson Gardens in Summer Hill, officially reopened by Inner West Council, featured the unveiling of the first purpose-built, 16-metre cricket pitch in NSW designed for the Stage 1 cricket format. The park renovations included an upgraded playground, a new kids bicycle track, renovated tennis courts, a skate park, and improved amenities, with the cricket pitch at the centre. The project cost $800,000, with support from the Australia Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF) and collaboration between the Cricket

NSW Infrastructure team and Inner West Council.

NET WORTH

WHERE: Henty Cricket Club Cricket Nets, Henty

REGION: Riverina

WHEN: February 2023

ALL-IN-ONE

WHERE: Mark Taylor Oval Cricket & Community Centre, Waitara

REGION: Northern Sydney

WHEN: February 2023

The Northern District Cricket Club Cricket & Community Centre received a boost as part of the larger upgrade to Mark Taylor Oval, formerly Waitara Park. The upgrade included a four-lane indoor training centre, kit-bag storage, curators shed, outside storage, and outdoor turf training nets. The project was funded by the NSW Government, Hornsby Shire Council, and the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund.

At the start of the season, Henty Cricket Club inaugurated a new three-lane synthetic net facility. This project was crucial for the small town of Henty, with support from the ACA, Riverina Water, Bendigo Bank, the Australian Government, Local Government, and the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund.

WONDROUS WIIGULGA

WHERE: Wiigulga Sports Complex

Cricket Nets, Woolgoolga

REGION: North Coast

WHEN: December 2022

MAXIMUM UTILISATION

WHERE: Across Central Coast

REGION: Central Coast

WHEN: Throughout the season

As clubs grow participation, facility management will become a key focus. Midweek options, twilight and shared facility use are complimenting the traditional Saturday morning junior games. The Central Coast of NSW has experienced growth in female participation and Junior Cricket Stage 1 in recent seasons, placing pressure on ground availability, so four clubs have invested in Flicx pitches for the 2022/23 season allowing them to play multiple game at the same time on first grade quality fields.

Ground Utilisation:

• Four Central Coast clubs purchased Flicx Pitches in season 2022/23.

• Clubs involved include Terrigal Matcham (3 pitches), KincumberAvoca (2 pitches), Lisarow Ourimbah (1 pitch) and The Entrance (1 pitch).

Wiigulga cricket nets were developed as part of a new multi-sports complex in Coffs Harbour. This fully enclosed facility consists of a three-lane net facility, stateof-the-art amenities block, two new ovals, and an indoor sports centre suitable for Woolworths Cricket Blast programs during wet weather. The complex, which features lighting meeting the CA Community Cricket Lighting Standards, has been a testament to collaboration between the Australian Government, NSW Government, Coffs Harbour City Council, and the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund.

• Each of these clubs have set up their Flicx pitches on their 1st Grade grounds. All are used to play their Stage 1 competition games.

• At the same time, their Woolworths Cricket Blast programs are running on adjacent ovals showing all the Blast kids their pathway to Stage 1 Cricket.

• All four clubs run a highly successful Blasters program with more than 50 participants from Woolworths Cricket Blast at the ground each week.

COUNTRY BLITZ

The Country Blitz, Cricket NSW’s annual regional engagement tour, transitioned from an online event the previous two years back to face-to-face activities from August 29-31, 2022. Thirty-seven contracted CNSW players embarked on the tour, visiting schools, clubs, and community groups across various locations including Kingscliff, Newcastle, Merimbula, Albury, Narromine, and Tamworth. In total, they visited 115 schools, clubs, and community events in 73 towns throughout the state over the two days.

Among the players participating in the tour were Australian representatives Kurtis Patterson, Moises Henriques, Trent Copeland, Hannah Darlington, Lauren Cheatle, and Stella Campbell. Rising stars like Ollie Davies, Jason Sangha, and Phoebe Litchfield also joined them.

HOMECOMING

It was a heartwarming moment when Sydney Sixers star Maitlan Brown visited her old primary school, Wingham Brush Public School, near Taree. TV cameras were there to capture every moment of Brown and fellow Sixers player Kurtis Patterson connecting with the children.

A UNITED EFFORT

Clubs and Associations helped the events every step of the way. Here, Gordon Cross, a volunteer at Taree United Cricket Club, asking junior cricketers to play and love cricket.

UP NORTH

“Being a country boy myself, I understand how important it is for young girls and boys from regional areas to be able to have access to what kids in the city do when it comes to sport.” –Trent Copeland, who grew up in Bathurst

SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST

Meanwhile, in the Riverina, a large contingent of Sydney Thunder players descended on Wagga Wagga and Albury and everywhere in between. The group included Thunder stars Jason Sangha and Ollie Davies, WBBL players Hannah Darlington and Lauren Smith and NSW Blues players William Salzmann and Lachlan Hearne.

Children in Casino and Ballina got to spend some quality time with NSW Blues players Liam Hatcher and Ryan Hackney, along with NSW Breakers star Sammy-Jo Johnson.

W/BBL CLUB CONNECTION

Sydney Thunder Clinic Wollongong

WHERE: North Dalton Park, North Wollongong

REGION: Illawarra

Date: October 2022

Participant Count: 177

Sydney Sixers Clinic Newcastle

WHERE: Newcastle

REGION: Newcastle

WHEN: October 2022

Participant Count: 98

Sydney Sixers Clinic Coffs Harbour

WHERE: Adjacent to Coffs Harbour International Stadium

REGION: North Coast

WHEN: August 2022

Participant Count: 50

Sydney Thunder Clinic Albury

WHERE: The Scots School Albury

REGION: Riverina

WHEN: September 2022

Participant Count: 100

CRICKET CENTRAL

Cricket NSW’s new home, Cricket Central at Sydney Olympic Park, threw its doors open to the community at the start of the 2022/23 season. Hosting a number of Woolworths Cricket Blast programs for 5-10 year-olds has helped over 200 registered participants, including 53 girls, to play and love cricket. These programs included , School Holiday and Junior and Master Blasters programs on the main oval and in the indoor centre.

“While Cricket Central is the home for our elite players and staff, it is also very much the home for all of those who play and love cricket in the state. It’s the best cricket facility in the Southern Hemisphere and brings all of cricket’s communities together,” David McDonald, General Manager, Cricket Central

Cricket NSW launched the new facility on August 21, 2022, when they hosted a Community Open Day for the official opening of the state-of-the-art Cricket Central facility. The venue houses an ICC-compliant oval, 15 indoor nets, including the majority that are available to the public, 43 outdoor lanes, a gym, function facilities, medical rooms, and the offices for CNSW’s administration. The nets and the grounds have proudly hosted several events over the season.

Cricket Central will be running Woolworths Cricket Blast programs in 2023/24. Register here https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/73ea04

THE DAY IT OPENED ITS DOORS

WHERE: Cricket Central WHEN: August 2022

Cricket Central opened its doors to the community on Sunday, August 21, 2022. The Community Open Day was a free public event, with NSW cricketers in attendance. There were cricket clinics, face painting, DJs, food trucks, facility tours, giveaways and much more and it was a truly festive atmosphere. The day started with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon, CNSW board members, as well as key government stakeholders, partners, and sponsors were present to officially open Cricket Central.

CATCHING A STAR

WHERE: Cricket Central WHEN: Across the season

T20 WORLD CUP MANIA

WHERE: Cricket Central

WHEN: November 2022

If you’d like a guided tour of Cricket Central, contact your local cricket manager.

During one of these sessions, eight-year-old Shresta Meduru came in to play cricket and became the face of Woolworths Cricket Blast appearing in media promotions across the season.

This season Cricket Central has hosted several Woolworths Cricket Blast programs, giving over 200 registered 5-10 year-old boys and girls the opportunity to participate in Cricket Blast activities on the Cricket Central main oval, alongside their NSW Blues and Breakers idols. A number of the star players would often drop by to teach some cool skills to the kids. Parents would buy a coffee and sit at the on-site café as they watch their children participating in all the fun Cricket Blast activities.

Over 400 people from the local community came to Cricket Central in November 2022 to meet their cricketing heroes during the Pakistan and South Africa T-20 World Cup teams’ official welcome event.

The Cricket Central Woolworths Cricket Blast participants had the opportunity to showcase their own cricket skills in front of the teams and were invited to sit front row where they were able to meet and shake hands with the players as well as getting some autographs.

This was the first-time international teams visited Cricket Central, two months post its opening.

WHEN MITCH STARC DROPPED BY

WHERE: Cricket Central

WHEN: January 2023

Winston Hills Cricket Club, located in Metro Sydney, invited their regional sister club, Narrabri Cricket Club, to Sydney for a weekend of friendly cricket games and the two clubs came in to visit Cricket Central. The clubs enjoyed a full tour of the building.

The players were lucky enough to have Mitchell Starc drop by and took many photos with him.

WEATHER REPORT AT SUNRISE

WHERE: Cricket Central

WHEN: August 2022

Celebrated weatherman Sam Mac from Channel 7 Sunrise visited Cricket Central to broadcast the weather and highlight the new facility. Around 30 Woolworths Cricket Blast kids had the opportunity to attend and show off their cricket skills. Some boys and girls from Wenty Leagues Cricket Club also had the opportunity to be on the weather report from the indoor centre with some of their NSW Blues heroes.

STAYING INDOORS

WHERE: Cricket Central

WHEN: Across the season

When the weather hasn’t been great, Cricket Central’s Indoor Centre has provided 5-10 year-old boys and girls the opportunity to participate in Woolworths Cricket Blast activities indoors, where there is no issue of inclement weather impacting the program.

NEXT STOP

WHERE: Cricket Central WHEN: December 2022

Pendle Hill Cricket Club Stage 1 and 2 teams were fortunate to visit Cricket Central where they participated in a training session in the Indoor Centre and did some drills on the main oval. They were also given a tour of the Cricket Central facility.

Filming began at 5am on the crisp August morning.

These programs are delivered with fun, modified Woolworths Cricket Blast activities that are enjoyed by all.

It is heartening to see young players come in and be inspired to play for the Blues and Breakers one day.

AWARDS

VOLUNTEERS ON CRICKET’S BIG STAGE

The starry 21st Annual Cricket NSW Awards Evening on 5 April, 2023 saw six of our 13 Community Cricket awards for 2022/23 being recognised for the first time.

Alongside the best of the Blues, Breakers, Thunder and Sixers the Community Award winners were recognised and celebrated for their extraordinary contribution to the game in their local community. The awards profiled on the night were:

Community Cricket Club of the Year: Narromine Cricket Club

Volunteer of the Year: Amanda Fraser, from the Glenorie District Cricket Club

Young Leader of the Year: Elysa Oliveri, Blowfly Cricket Club

Junior Initiative of the Year: Cowra Junior Cricket Association

Women and Girls Initiative of the Year: Dubbo Junior Cricket Association

Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year: West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club

Seven other Awards were recognised by CNSW for their contribution to cricket in 2022/23: Indoor Facility of the Year: John Mackay Sports Centre, Bankstown

Community Cricket Association of the Year: Cricket Albury Wodonga

CNSW’s Julie Stafford wins Her Sport Her Way Champion Award

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Editors: Catherine Ballesty, Dave Lyall, Martin Gleeson, Swagata Sen

Coordinators: Darryl Shortland, Julie Stafford, Matt Ellis, Neil McDonald

Special thanks to: Angela Denton, Fiona Penny, Renee Westwood, Sabrina DeSilva, Michael McKeough

Community Coach of the Year: Roy Binks (Griffith District Cricket Association)

Cricket NSW’s Female, Diversity & Inclusion Manager Julie Stafford took the honours as the Champion of the year among the incredible array of winners celebrated at this year’s Her Sport Her Way Awards.

The awards, convened by the NSW Government’s Office of Sport, recognise the people, clubs and organisations that are giving women and girls more opportunities to participate in sport and aim to highlight the important work they are doing in this space.

Technology and Media Initiative of the Year: Parramatta District Cricket Association

Partnership of the Year: Blacktown City & District Cricket Association

Celebrating Cricket in Schools: Wentworth Falls Public School

Community Match Official of the Year: Paul Norton (Ingleburn Cricket Club/ Camden District Cricket Association)

Out of the 13 NSW winners, seven went on to win Cricket Australia’s Community awards in their categories: Volunteer of the Year, Young Leader of the Year, Indoor Facility of the Year, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Community Cricket Association of the Year, Women and Girls Initiative of the Year and Community Coach of the Year.

Stafford has been a key figure in driving the growth of female participation in cricket across NSW since 2014, developing the Cricket NSW Female Strategy and Action Plan in 2022, which has seen Junior Girls Cricket grow by 20% last year. She is also focusing her efforts off the pitch, setting up WiCKETS Women in Cricket Communities, an online community that hosts forums and networking events connecting local volunteers and encouraging more women to join committees.

Stafford shared the award with Basketball NSW’s CEO Maria Nordstrom.