New turf rolls out new era for Junction Oval

Minister for Sport John Eren, Member for Albert Park Martin Foley, representatives from Cricket Victoria and stars Peter Siddle and Kristen Beams today inspected the oval that will deliver a second home for Victoria’s star cricketers.

The $40 million project, a partnership between the Victorian Government, Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia, will give our top male and female cricketers a first-class ground and training facilities.

The Victorian Cricket and Community Centre will feature new headquarters for Cricket Victoria, female-friendly facilities for our elite women’s cricket team VicSpirit, and state-of-the-art medical and rehabilitation areas.

It will host grassroots cricket clubs in St Kilda, as well as Sheffield Shield matches for the champion Bushrangers.

The centre will take cricket to all Victorian communities through increased participation with women, young people, newly arrived and indigenous communities a priority.

Cricket is our national pastime and we’re seeing even more young Victorians pick up a bat or ball, especially with women and girls inspired by their Women’s Big Bash heroes.

That’s why we’re supporting cricket clubs across the state to upgrade their facilities, attract more fans and players of all abilities, and discover our next test cricket star.

Victorian Minister for Sport John Eren said:

“Aussies love their cricket, and we’re doing everything we can to make sure even more Victorians can enjoy our summer pastime, all-year round.”

“Our cricketers deserve the very best facilities and a world class ground – we promised them, and we’re getting on with building them.”

Member for Albert Park Martin Foley said:

“This upgrade will ensure Junction Oval’s future is just as bright as its past. We’re giving St Kilda clubs space to grow and inspire more local cricket fans to pick up the willow and have a hit or bowl.”

Cricket Victoria Chief Executive Tony Dodemaide said:

“This milestone is a significant step towards establishing the home of Victorian Cricket and providing year-round access for Victoria’s elite male and female cricketers and an accessible venue for local cricket and the local community.”