Inclusive Cricket Hub launched at Eastern Oval

IT’S hosted W.G. Grace, World Cup one-day matches and WBBL regular season fixtures, now Eastern Oval is the base of a new two-million-dollar Regional Cricket Hub.

With modernised, accessible clubrooms, female changing improvements, a ground redevelopment, better outdoor turf and synthetic training surfaces, and the installation of Premier Grade competition lighting, the Eastern Oval an appropriate home for Goldfields cricket.

The capital works mean more playing and training opportunities for teams in the area, and it’s expected that regional coaching and development work will be based at the facility, as well as Ballarat Cricket Association and Cricket Victoria pathways.

Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle said the works have been crucial for inclusivity. The sports ground’s standards weren’t modern or able to serve the growing popularity of cricket, especially amongst women and girls.

“This is a really important project to make sure these grounds are up to scratch and that more women can get involved in playing,” she said. “I’m sure the club will welcome more players, and more women and girls will soon be out there smashing sixes and taking wickets.”

The State government injected $500,000 into the hub which was also a project of the City of Ballarat.

“This is a great collaboration…investing in women’s sport,” Ms Settle said.