MEMBER for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is encouraging all local cricket clubs to apply for the grants available under the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF).
The ACIF is funded by Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia to support community cricket facility projects, with a focus on growing participation and promoting greater access for all Victorians.
Over 60 projects were funded in the 2023-24 season, and over $250 million of partnered investment with federal, state, and local governments has been generated since the ACIF’s inception in 2019.
The ACIF is open to all clubs, associations, schools, local government, and cricket facility managers, acknowledging the important role these partners play in providing and maintaining facilities for community cricket across Victoria.
The ACIF provides funding in the following two categories: minor, ranging from $1000 to $15,000, and major, ranging from $15,001 to $40,000.
Applications over $40,000 will be considered on a case-by-case basis under the Strategic Cricket Infrastructure Funding category.
Projects under this category will generally be multi-faceted and provide a broad regional benefit for cricket.
Ms Cleeland emphasised the crucial role team sports play in fostering community spirit, health, and inclusion.
“Team sports like cricket bring people together, build friendships, and teach valuable life skills,” she said.
“Additional funding makes it just a little bit easier for our local sporting and recreational clubs to operate, making sure more people are playing or assisting with the sport they love.
“I encourage all eligible clubs to apply for this funding opportunity to enhance their facilities and continue providing a welcoming space for players of all ages and backgrounds.”
Local clubs can contact Ms Cleeland’s office on (03) 5762 1600 or email her at annabelle.cleeland@parliament.vic.gov.au to arrange a letter of support for their application.
Applications close on Sunday, March 23.
