Western Australia’s largest Aboriginal youth cricket carnival has brought together more communities than ever before, with participation numbers tripling.
The Kambarang Youth Carnival aims to bring Aboriginal youth (12-17 years of age) living in metropolitan and regional WA together to promote social inclusion, health, and wellbeing.
Now in its second year, the annual carnival is proving hugely popular with more than 120 girls and boys relishing two days of cricket and cultural activities.
WA Cricket Aboriginal Project Officer Adam Cockie said it’s fantastic to see the players enjoying the game, while creating new friendships.
“It’s more than cricket, we take them through cultural learning activities such as traditional Nyoongar games and creating their own artwork, to deepen their connection to culture and country,” he said.
“It’s massive in the Aboriginal space to see young Indigenous people come together and play for the first time, hopefully creating more opportunities to see them eventually playing club cricket in their local areas.”
Teams travelled from as far as Geraldton to the Swan Valley Adventure Centre, where they were greeted to Nyoongar Boodjar with a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.
A full day of games followed, played in the Australian Cricket junior format with all equipment provided and no experience necessary.
Current WA Aboriginal representatives for the National Indigenous Cricket Championships were at the carnival for player identification to try out for the NICC squad. From this selection they will have the chance to make the final team to represent the State in Alice Springs.
The next day, teams played curtain raiser games ahead of the Scorchers v Strikers Women’s Big Bash League match at Lilac Hill. They also participated in the largest Barefoot Circle in Australian cricket history, alongside the stars of the WBBL.
WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews said the WA Cricket Foundation has been able to accelerate its inclusion and diversity programs, thanks to its generous donors.
“It’s very important to involve our Aboriginal participants as much as we can, and to build a pathway for them,” she said.
“There’s no doubt we’re leading the country in these activities and it’s important that we continue leading by example to show how to build an Aboriginal pathway that will eventually result in elite players.
“Cricket is a sport for all, and all Australians need to be involved in it.”