WA Cricket was thrilled to announce its success in being awarded $712,806 worth of funding for women and girls' cricket through the Federal Government’s ‘Play Our Way’ Program.
WA Women and Girls Cricket Receive 'Play Our Way' Boost
In 2023 the Australian Government announced $200 million towards facilities and participation programs to provide greater opportunities for women and girls to access, participate and remain involved in sport and physical activity, with $55 million in funding on offer through the Play Our Way program.
WA Cricket, which has long been dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating inclusive pathways for women and girls in cricket, is looking forward to using its funding allocation to grow upon its strong foundations in the space.
With the support of the grant, WA Cricket will allocate funding to enhance women's and girls' participation in cricket, foster women in leadership roles within the sport, and develop female coaches & officials in both metropolitan and regional areas across the state.
The WA Cricket 'Where We Belong' program will focus on three key streams: Women's Leadership Network, All Girls Can – aimed at introducing cricket to young girls, and the Coaching and Officiating Program.
WA Cricket Community Cricket General Manager Jo Davies said WA Cricket is proud to be one of the states awarded the funding.
“This funding will enable us to continue our work in creating a welcoming and supportive environment where women and girls can thrive in cricket," she said.
“Our end goal, which we are always striving towards, is to empower every participant to play the game in a way that suits them, whether it’s through developing their skills, building confidence or simply enjoying the game with friends.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman said the women and girls of Perth for too long have been changing in men's changerooms, playing on poor surfaces and with subpar equipment and it needs to stop.
"Despite this, these players have still been performing at the highest levels," he said.
“Our Government is fixing this imbalance, making sure that women and girls across Australia finally have equipment that performs as well as they do.
“Play Our way is the nation’s single biggest package for women’s community sport.
“More than 100,000 women and girls will benefit from better local facilities.
“Working with WA Cricket we have been able to meet community expectations and support women and girls.
"This funding will send a strong message that every person has the right to enjoy sport, at every level.
“Taking our national enthusiasm for women's sport and delivering results for Perth, and communities like ours across Australia.”