The Andrews Labor Government is giving the Dandenong District Cricket Association and Buckley Ridges Cricket Club the tools and resources it needs to help maintain Victoria’s title as the cricket capital.

Gabrielle Williams, Member for Dandenong, today announced the Dandenong District Cricket Association and Buckley Ridges Cricket Club are two of 61 clubs across Victoria sharing in $153,000 funding as part of the Community Cricket Program: On Common Ground. The Government is partnering with Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia to deliver the grants.

Gabrielle Williams announced Buckley Ridges Cricket Club would receive a $1,550 grant to provide first aid and coaching courses for club officials. The Dandenong District Cricket Association would receive a $850 grant to provide Community Coaching Courses for local clubs.

The $12.4 million program is creating renewed opportunities for all Victorians to pick up a bat or ball and enjoy Australia’s national summer pastime. Victorians love their cricket, regularly filling the MCG or Etihad Stadium at KFC Big Bash clashes, while the Boxing Day Test is one of the iconic dates on our sporting calendar.

The 61 grants will help clubs complete important facility upgrades, purchase the latest equipment, or deliver programs that help players, coaches and umpires thrive.

More than 320,000 Victorians play a form of cricket. That’s why the Labor Government is committed to growing the game all over the State. The Government has committed $25 million towards building the Victorian Cricket and Community Centre at Junction Oval, to give our First Class cricketers the base they deserve.