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.