The Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) today launched the WA Cricket Foundation (The Foundation) to support the WACA’s vision to develop all levels of cricket in WA and ensure a long and successful future for the WACA Ground.
The Foundation’s Board includes Dr Bob Every AO (Foundation Chair), Dr Ken Michael AC, David Robb, John Gillam, Kate O’Hara and George Jones AM.
The Foundation has been tasked with raising $12 million over five years to support the planned Stage 1 WACA Ground development, with funding also being sought from Cricket Australia, WA State Government and Federal Government.
The Foundation will also raise funds for the WACA’s Northwest Cricket and Female Pathway programs. The Northwest Cricket Program will see children in the Pilbara and Kimberley regionsgiven the opportunity to play cricket through the provision of year-round resources, support systems and infrastructure, while the Female Pathway Program will support and accelerate the development of WA cricket’s female pathways and provide opportunities for all girls and women to participate in the game.
WACA CEO Christina Matthews said: “The WACA Ground is an important part of WA’s sporting history and the Association is committed to raising the funds required to support the Stage 1 Ground development.
“While the WA Cricket Foundation seeks to raise $12m over five years through philanthropy, the development can’t be done without financial support from both the state and federal governments.
“The full development would see the WACA Ground become a boutique cricket facility with world-class playing and training facilities for Members, elite players and emerging talent, fans and the state’s cricket and broader community, complementing Optus Stadium and the surrounding East Perth sporting precinct.
“The WACA Ground will play a vital role in the development and growth of cricket in the state for many years to come.”
WA Cricket Foundation Chair Bob Every said: “The WACA, together with the Foundation, aims to ensure the sport of cricket is accessible to every child and adult in Western Australia, no matter where you live or your ability, while also impacting positively on the communities in which we play.
“We are committed to supporting all levels of cricket, whether it be through our schools, in the community, or as part of a structured program, and to providing clear pathways to turn grassroots players into tomorrow’s cricketing legends.
“Now is the time to invest in the future of WA cricket. We have an opportunity to strengthen and build on the state’s proud cricket history and ensure a bright future for generations to come.
“The Foundation is looking forward to the challenge ahead and is committed to securing a long and sustainable future for the WACA Ground.”
To assist with fundraising, the WA Cricket Foundation has partnered with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF). The ASF has helped clubs and organisations from the grassroots and community level to the professional and elite national level to fundraise over the past 30 years. All donations of $2 or more to the WA Cricket Foundation through the ASF are tax deductible.
Information on donation opportunities through the WA Cricket Foundation will be released in due course.