Glenn McGrath Cricket Nets Unveiled

The redeveloped Glenn McGrath Cricket Nets were officially opened today, 6 July at Dundas Park in Narromine.

The unveiling saw legendary Australian, former International cricketer Glenn McGrath AM return home to Narromine to formally open the nets named in his honour.

Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders said the new nets would support player development and help grow the game in Western NSW.

“The NSW Government is excited to support this project which will encourage cricket participation in Narromine and hopefully help develop the next Glenn McGrath who will one day wear the baggy green cap,” Mr Saunders said.

Minister for Sport John Sidoti said the project was an example of why the NSW ICC T20 World Cup Legacy Fund was established.

“The Legacy Fund is supporting the growth of cricket participation in NSW by improving the quality and quantity of community facilities, and helping to attract cricket events to regional NSW,” Mr Sidoti said.

The project has delivered three new cricket practice nets with synthetic grass surfacing which is open for public use. The nets are now in a more suitable location at Dundas Park.

The project was initiated by Narromine District Cricket Association and Narromine District Junior Cricket Association in consultation with Council.

The $100,000 project was funded by successful grant applications and partnerships, including:

 

ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Chief Executive Officer Nick Hockley is thrilled the cricket nets will leave a lasting legacy in Narromine.

“The Local Organising Committee is committed to working with our partners, including the NSW Government and Cricket NSW, to ensure that hosting the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia next year has a lasting positive impact. We are thrilled that the NSW Government’s funding assisted with the redevelopment of the Glenn McGrath Cricket Nets which will benefit the Narromine cricket community well beyond 2020.”

Cricket NSW Chief Executive Officer Lee Germon said facilities like the redeveloped Glenn McGrath nets are often not possible without a partnership approach to funding.

“We would like to acknowledge and thank all that were involved in bringing this project to fruition”, Germon said.

“These new nets will help foster the love of cricket in locals and increase participation across the broader community. We’re delighted to have delivered this project in partnership with all levels of government, the NSW ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Legacy Fund, Cricket Australia via the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund, and the Narromine cricket community.”

“Part of our Community Strategic Plan is to recognise the importance and consider resources needed to maintain open spaces, to encourage greater use by the community said Jane Redden, General Manager of Narromine Shire Council.

“The cricket nets redevelopment supports this objective” she said.

“Council is thankful to the many organisations and funding partners who have made the project possible.”

The project was one of 55 projects to receive $1.96 million in funding during Round 1 of the program in 2018. Round 2 of the NSW ICC T20 World Cup Legacy Fund is currently open with up to $2 million available to local cricket clubs and councils across the NSW.

The opening included a free cricket skills clinic run by Cricket NSW.


 

Media Contacts: Narromine Shire Council, General Manager, Jane Redden T: 0407 438 422

Image: Glenn McGrath opening Cricket Nets, named in his honour