Cricket Australia’s National Indigenous tour to Vanuatu concluded earlier this month with four Western Australian players included in the squad.
Four T20 matches were played against respective Vanuatu teams which presented an incredible opportunity for WA Cricket’s Aboriginal Talent Academy players to demonstrate their skills in a new environment.
Both teams achieved success, with the women winning their series 4-0, and the men 3-1.
16-year-old Badimia woman Veronica Keen had a fantastic time playing high-level cricket against the Vanuatu squad and hopes to return in the future.
“Getting the experience batting and keeping out here has been awesome,” Keen said.
“It’s been so fun getting to know the girls and then playing against them every day.”
“Before I was in the Talent Academy I didn’t really know much about these tours or even NICC (National Indigenous Cricket Championships).
This is my first year in the program and it helped me to not only get to Alice Springs but also all the extra training and support from coaches which has just been great.
“It’s really special getting to go to another country, but to come here is just awesome. It’s great to play alongside all three of the professional girls, it’s something to aspire to and I’m proud to represent not only my country but my culture as well.”
Palawa man and WA player Cody Hoffmeister has been involved in WA Cricket’s Aboriginal Pathways for the last six years and said the program is only getting better and setting an example for other states.
“It’s been an absolutely amazing experience, I couldn’t ask for anything more from this tour and from this program,” he said.
“This is my first tour away from Australia and having my friends back in WA, my family, and people from the WACA messaging me has helped so much.
“It’s a massive thing for the future of the game and the future of not only the WACA program but programs around Australia.”