By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Monbulk Cricket Club has received a $1000 grant from the Sporting Club Grants Program, helping the club purchase new equipment for its junior programs.
The club’s co-president Duncan Maher said the funding arrived at a crucial time, as the club applied for the grant in early October 2024, coinciding with the start of the new season.
Mr Maher said the club’s main reason for applying was to make cricket more accessible to local players, particularly given the financial challenges many families face.
“One of the really big things for us is community engagement. We want to make sure the game is open to all who want to play, and these grants help reduce the barriers to participation,” he said.
Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said this is a major boost for clubs across the state.
“We’re making sure clubs have the skills and equipment they need to thrive, and get more people involved,” Ms Spence said.
“We want our local sporting clubs to be backing the next generation of local champions – and these grants provide them the chance to do just that.”
The $1000 grant will go towards purchasing essential equipment for the junior programs, helping to reduce costs for families while ensuring young players have access to high-quality gear.
“These initiatives directly support the growth of our junior programs, which is a real focus for us,” Mr Maher said.
While Monbulk Cricket Club has not routinely relied on grants in the past, Mr Maher said this year the club has put more effort into seeking funding for specific needs.
“We’re really thinking about why we’re seeking support. For us, it often comes back to access, promotion, and upskilling,” he said.
These key areas help the club grow its membership and improve coaching for players of all ages.
The club is also focused on increasing its engagement with the community, including reaching out to schools and encouraging more people to get involved in cricket.
The co-president emphasised the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all members.
“We’re a community group with a focus on sporting engagement, and these grants allow us to bring people together and create lasting relationships,” he said.
With the new season already underway, the Monbulk Cricket Club has already put the grant to use, purchasing much-needed equipment, including cricket balls and other gear.
“These things help us provide the best experience for our players and make sure they’re using quality equipment to improve their skills,” he said.
Mr Maher expressed gratitude for the funding, and acknowledged the positive impact grants like this have on not-for-profit organisations like Monbulk Cricket Club.
“Knowing these grants are available and understanding their importance is fantastic. It’s something all community organisations should be aware of and take advantage of,” he said.
The Sporting Club Grants Program has supported thousands of local clubs across Victoria, helping them thrive and ensure sport remains accessible to all.
