The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath has called on the Allan Government to commit to a new round of the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund in 2026 and expand eligibility to include strategic planning and volunteer retention for cricket associations.
“Cricket Victoria’s participation figures while encouraging, mask serious issues such as volunteer burnout, governance pressures and regional disparities,” Ms Bath said.
“Without structured planning and resourcing and assistance for volunteers, pressure will have a negative impact on participation and increase pressure on the people who keep grassroots cricket alive.”
“Grants should also support long term sustainability planning covering governance, volunteer recruitment and retention, financial viability and pathways for women and all abilities players.
“It is important to build capacity for strong, resilient clubs so cricket continues to thrive in regional Victoria.”
Ms Bath said in a competitive sporting market, recruitment and retention of junior players is always a challenge and in regional Victoria many older players stay on to keep teams viable.
“Current sporting grants tend to only focus on bricks and mortar, but the criteria needs to be extended to assist clubs with their operations as modern facilities are only one part of the equation.
“Grassroots sport is more than just a game, in our regional communities it is a lifeline for social connectedness, mental health and physical wellbeing.
“When local clubs thrive, communities thrive – delivering extra support for planning, administration and volunteers will help keep our regional cricket clubs sustainable for generations to come.”
