Thanks to a generous grant from NRMA Insurance, the club has not only recovered but is thriving as it heads into the 2023/2024 season.
“Our cricket club, deeply rooted in the local community for over a century, faced a severe blow from the floods. There were concerns that our players might have to seek refuge in other clubs due to the extensive damage to our equipment and grounds. However, the NRMA grant became our saving grace, rescuing not only the club but also our community,” Club President Paul Lavis said.
The floods caused substantial damage to the cricket grounds, affecting critical infrastructure such as the wicket, bowling machine, electric mower, score board machine, nets, and junior equipment. The NRMA grant played a pivotal role in enabling the club to make necessary replacements and repairs to lost and damaged items.
“It’s been uplifting to rebuild the club and, as a result, kick off the 2023/2024 season on a high note,” Lavis said.
“Our A Graders are currently sitting second on the ladder, and we now boast the best wicket facilities in the region, along with some incredible equipment.
“The NRMA Insurance grant not only aided in physical recovery but also significantly boosted morale, especially after the substantial loss of income from having no home grounds during the 2022/23 season.”
NRMA Insurance has announced the opening of applications for its Community Cricket Club Grants Program, also known as Cricket Grants, which aims to double the number of grants provided compared to the previous year. This initiative, launched in collaboration with Cricket Australia, recognises the vital role played by local community cricket clubs in fostering a love for the sport at the grassroots level.
NRMA Insurance Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, Michelle Klein, highlighted the positive impact of last year’s Cricket Grants and expressed excitement about doubling the grants this year.
“Community cricket is a quintessential part of Australian culture, fostering community spirit, and developing young talent,” Klein said.
“We are pleased to double our Cricket Grants to eight this year, enabling an additional four local clubs to benefit from a boost in funding.”
The Cricket Grants program has already demonstrated significant success, with last year’s recipients utilising the $15,000 grants for various purposes, from acquiring new equipment to supporting membership subsidies and developing inclusive programs.
Cricket Australia Executive General Manager Community Cricket & Capability, James Allsopp, applauded NRMA Insurance for providing vital support to clubs.
“We know how important it is for community clubs to be able to access funding support, and through the NRMA Insurance Cricket Grants, clubs can get assistance to help them continue to thrive.”
Community cricket clubs across Australia are encouraged to apply for the NRMA Insurance Community Cricket Club Grants Program by visiting nrma.com.au/cricket. Applications for the program close on January 31, 2024.
NRMA Insurance aims to raise $120,000 for Cricket Grants via its Pitch In activations at four Tests this summer. The funds will be equally distributed among eight clubs across the country, further reinforcing NRMA’s commitment to supporting and strengthening grassroots cricket.
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