Wallaby numbers increasing, Maccas jumps in

THE growing community at Wallington Recreation Reserve will soon have access to more equipment after winning a grant from the ‘Macca’s On Your Team’ initiative.

Wallington Cricket Club continues to forge its new identity coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Wallabies will receive $1,500 thanks to McDonald’s.

Wallington Cricket president Marc Occhipinti said the club has grown into a program boasting three men’s sides, two women’s sides, 140 children and two Under 11 squads since the start of the pandemic, stretching resources pretty thin as a result.

“Being a community club, we run kind of lean, there’s not much money to throw around,” Occhipinti said.

“It is important for organisations like McDonald’s to step out into community sport, it allows clubs like us to deliver extra programs.

“We’re very appreciate for what McDonald’s has provided the club, as well as other businesses helping other clubs to make sport more accessible to others.”

The $1,500 donated by McDonald’s will be put towards a new kit bag for one the club’s teams, generally valued between $1,500 and $2,000.

Vice president John Dunstan said all grants help the club, with every dollar accelerating Wallington through its five-year plan.

“We’re about a year in front of where we want to be right now with the plan to grow our junior foundations even,” Dunstan said.

“Expanding into a full Under 11’s cohort, then into Under 13 and Under 15. It’s probably a bit early to be thinking that far ahead, but in that time, we hope to have a fourth men’s side and a third women’s side.

“We’d also love a full junior girls side too.”

McDonald’s Market Director for Victoria and Tasmania, Kelly Nardella, said McDonald’s is proud to play an active role in local communities and support organisations that make a positive difference to the lives of Australians.

“The grants are designed to help sporting clubs continue to offer accessible, inclusive and safe programs to members of the local community,” Ms Nardella said.

“Whether it’s purchasing new equipment or renovating the club’s facilities, we look forward to seeing the positive impact these grants can have.”

Wallington sides expect to be competing on their home wicket again in the next fortnight, following heavy rain in recent weeks.