Play Cricket Week In Whitsundays

This week Queensland (QLD) Cricket launched their Play Cricket Week.

Queensland and Brisbane Heat batsman, Matt Renshaw visited the Whitsundays this week to help drive Play Cricket Week. His presence had a significant impact on local engagement. 

“What we're trying to do is try and make as many people play cricket as possible,” said Matt Renshaw.

“I think Australian cricket is strong and the country cricket is strong too. I think putting more funding into the country areas is really important. So, to see a new cricket club here in Airlie is pretty great for the area.”

Matt believes young people should start playing cricket not only because it is enjoyable but because of life experience and skills too.

“There are some really good things you can get out of it, both with cricket and as people. The resiliency you go through, the enjoyment, and then the skills that you can develop can take you all around the world,” said Matt.

“We want to try and build the game as much as we can. We want guys and girls coming in and playing for Australia. We want Australian cricket to be strong.

“Being able to play with your mates is something that I've always enjoyed throughout my whole career. That's why I keep playing cricket.

“You get to stand out in the sun with your mates, which is pretty special.”

Play Cricket Week comes at a great time for Airlie Beach Cricket Club (ABCC) who have established the first cricket club in Airlie Beach for over 20 years.

“We are thrilled to align our launch with Play Cricket Week,” said ABCC Media Spokesperson Stephen Logan.

“Having an Australian cricket player and Brisbane Heat cricket player is huge advantage for the cricket club, but also great for the kids to actually see where they can actually get to.”

The launch of Play Cricket Week was at Cannonvale State School, and Principal Nicholas Shirley was thrilled that QLD cricket chose their school to host the fun games and activities to help boost cricket within young people.

Cannonvale State School will also be working in conjunction with ABCC and Principal Nicholas Shirley is looking forward to it.

“We haven't had a cricket organisation that we are able to utilise for our school, so to have it right here in our backyard is fantastic,” said Nicholas.

“Airlie Beach Cricket Club will be giving us some wonderful facilities and it's a dream come true for our school to not only have that partnership, but to actually get some first-class facilities for our school, including a new pitch that we're super excited about.”

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Cricket Manager of Mackay and Whitsundays Bo Saunders, Matt Renshaw, and Airlie Beach Cricket Club President Brett Simpson
Play Cricket Week at Cannonvale State School
Playing games in Play Cricket Week
More activities

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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