Community cricket clubs across Western Australia have secured significant investments into their future with $20 million in cricket facility projects being generated through the 2023-24 Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF).

In total, 14 projects were successful in securing funding, with five being from regional WA and nine from metro Perth.

Key strategic infrastructure priorities were met in the latest round, with two grounds securing funding to upgrade their floodlights.  

Swan View Cricket Club is one of the clubs who will enjoy the benefits of the funding, with new floodlights to be installed at their ground, Brown Park.

“We are grateful to the Shire of Mundaring for driving this project and being able to secure funding through the ACIF for the floodlighting upgrade at Brown Park,” Swan View Cricket Club President David Pease said. 

“This will be great for our junior and Women’s program, allowing our crickets to play home games at night, which will be massive for our club and the local community. 

“We look forward to being able to host our first cricket match under lights, once the project is complete.” 

Ensuring cricket can be played outside of daylight hours, the upgrades will allow the entire community cricket pathway to be played at any time, opening alternative timeslots to play the game.  

The funding will also aid in the construction of four new pavilions, which will include gender neutral player change rooms, providing a more welcoming environment for all participants.  

The ACIF is a joint initiative between Cricket Australia, WA Cricket and the Australian Cricketers’ Association, through its contribution via the Grassroots Cricket Fund. 

WA Cricket Infrastructure and Local Government Relations Manager Brodie Green said the continuing infrastructure funding continues to support the growth of the game. 

“The ACIF continues to fund facility projects that support the growth of the game as well as promote accessibility and inclusivity,” he said.

“WA Cricket is grateful to the State Government and all Local Governments in WA, as well as Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) for their continued investment in community sporting facilities and the support they provide to cricket participation.” 

Since 2018-19, the ACIF has provided funding to 117 cricket infrastructure projects in WA, delivering a partnered investment of almost $88 million in total project value.  

The 2024-25 ACIF program will open again in October 2024, with cricket clubs and associations, councils and schools encouraged to identify projects that can be moved forward with the support of the ACIF.