Thanks to Queensland Country Bank’s Good For Good Community Grants, the Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association (MCCA) is giving girls more opportunity to step up to the crease, sharpen their skills, and dream big.
The initiative is all part of Queensland Country Bank’s commitment to support local communities, invest in grassroots sports, and empower the next generation. This boost for girls’ cricket highlights how partnerships between local organisations and community-focused initiatives can make a lasting impact.
Backing Grassroots Cricket in North Queensland
The MCCA is one of 15 not-for-profit organisations across Queensland selected to receive funding under the Good For Good Community Grants Program in the round of 2024-25.
The Vice President of the Junior Club at the Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association, Michelle Garner, said the grant was a major boost for the club, which focuses on increasing female participation.
“The grant we’ve received will assist with equipment, uniforms and transport for junior female cricketers based in Yarrabah – allowing them to join our club regularly. We currently have 26 girls playing here at the club, helping us create important and needed pathways and opportunities for these cricketers in the wider region.”
Coach of the Juniors Suzanne Smith said, “the grant has already assisted us to send four girls from Yarrabah away with the Cricket Far North U13 girls representative team. One of these girls, Chantel Gordon also represented Queensland at the National U12 Schools Championships in Adelaide.”
Locals Supporting Locals
Local Business Banking Manager Kevin Waring and Area Manager Brad Dwyer had the opportunity to visit the club and meet some of the team. Despite the rain causing a cancellation of junior games, Kevin and Brad had a great time manning the BBQ and getting to know some of the girls. They even had a chance to showcase their skills in the training nets, with the girls only too happy to offer some technique advice!
Aaron Newman, Queensland Country Bank CEO, is proud to see the Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association included in the Community Grants Program.
“We have a strong focus on local communities and investing in grassroots cricket, and our support here in Cairns means more girls in North Queensland will have the opportunity to play cricket,” he said.
“Our support means our young North Queensland girls can emulate players like the Australian captain Alyssa Healy, and Queenslanders Holly Ferling, Haidee Birkett, and Kyrna Crump. With the Australian Women’s Team the number one in the world, we hope to nurture the next generation of Australian stars – straight out of North Queensland!” said Aaron.
“Our Good for Good program is just one way the bank supports the communities that support us. Many smaller regional and remote communities really rely on not-for-profit groups to help improve the liveability of their local communities, and we are pleased to be able to support the work of some of these community groups with their projects. It’s about doing good for good.”
Queensland Country Bank’s investment in Cairns’ girls’ cricket isn’t just about playing the game. It’s about creating pathways to nurture local talent and lay the foundation for a whole new generation of players.
Beyond boosting self-confidence and fitness, regular participation in sports also encourages inclusivity and empowers girls to dream big—whether they aspire to showcase their skills at a local competition or represent their country on the world stage.
Want to Help Your Community?
The Good For Good Community Grants program is designed to empower local organisations like Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association to achieve their goals. Whether you have a project that supports environment, education, health, sports and recreation or arts, culture and heritage, this grant could be the key to bringing your vision to life.
Eligibility criteria and conditions apply to all grant applications.