Fourteen women involved in community cricket across Australia will receive additional support to strengthen opportunities for women and girls at their clubs through Cricket Australia’s Project Inspire, with Westpac providing AUD 2,000 to each participant’s community club, an official news release from CA stated.
Australian crickets Sophie Molineux and Georgia Voll interacted with Cricket Australia’s Project Inspire participants. Photo courtesy: Cricket Australia/ Facebook
The announcement was made during a three-day immersion workshop in Melbourne, where the 14 participants of the second intake of Project Inspire came together as part of Cricket Australia’s ongoing Women and Girls Week.
Australia women’s cricket star Phoebe Litchfield surprised the participants during a session at Westpac’s Melbourne offices on October 30, announcing the financial support for their respective clubs.
Project Inspire is designed to develop leadership skills, confidence and connections among women involved in community cricket. The program is facilitated by Australian cricket great Belinda Clark and experienced coach and facilitator Chris Rubick.
It combines structured leadership development with practical experience, allowing participants to apply what they learn through coaching sessions and activities at their clubs.
Project Inspire 2.0 participants are: Elle Weston, Dunsborough Cricket Club (WA), Libby O’Brien, Merewether District Cricket Club (NSW), Michelle Lussick, Weston Creek Molonglo Cricket Club (ACT), Kalea Leary, Wynyard & Districts Cricket Club (TAS), Stacey Taylor, Sheidow Park Cricket Club (SA), Emily Oliphant, North Perth Cricket Club (WA), Jacqui Brown, Kingston Heath Cricket Club (VIC), Ava Danholt, Wembley Districts Junior Cricket Club (WA), Dawn Kilkelly, Lindfield District Cricket Club (NSW), Cathy Allen, Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association (WA), Hannah Ward, Waratah Cricket Club (NT), Mehnaaz Ahmed, North Sydney District Junior Cricket Club (NSW), Gillian Gerry, Ginninderra Cricket Club (ACT), Carrie-Ann White, Surfers Paradise Cricket Club (QLD)
Cricket Australia Chief of Cricket James Allsopp said the programme had brought together women leaders from community clubs across every state and territory.
“Project Inspire has helped us to connect with some wonderful leaders from community clubs in every State and Territory and see the incredible work they have been doing to support women’s and girls’ cricket at grassroots level,” he said.
“As they continue to learn and develop their leadership under the expert guidance of Belinda Clark and Chris Rubick, this generous support from Westpac will be put to great use and make a significant, positive impact for women and girls at their clubs.
“At Cricket Australia, we’re grateful for the investment and support of Westpac in women’s and girls’ cricket, from grassroots level with Project Inspire and the Her Game Grows fund, through to their support of our national Women’s team,” Allsopp added.
Michelle Klein, Westpac Chief Growth, Brand and Marketing Officer, said the funding would help participants turn their ideas into action and create more opportunities for women and girls in local cricket.
“Westpac is proud to support the women who are making a difference in community cricket. They know their clubs and what their communities need, Project Inspire gives them practical skills, useful connections and support to build on the work they’re already doing. We hope this support will help bring some of their ideas to life and create more opportunities for women and girls to play, volunteer and take on leadership roles in their local communities,” Klein said.
Project Inspire is part of Cricket Australia’s broader effort to strengthen women’s leadership and increase participation in community cricket. Westpac also supports the Her Game Grows fund and the Australian women’s national team.