No Boundaries cricket program hitting sixes across Gippsland

GippSport ran a 3 week, fully subsidised, No Boundaries cricket program aiming to bring the sport back into Gippsland. The program, aimed at fostering cricketing skills and team spirit, saw participants of all levels and mobility joining in and developing their cricketing expertise. With participant numbers growing each week, the program showcased a diverse and eager gathering of cricket enthusiasts.

The Story of No Boundaries

No Boundaries cricket was previously a formal Gippsland wide competition that played on Sunday’s and brought competitors from every inch of Gippsland. This was driven by the Gippsland Region 7 and GippSport, with 4 teams from Drouin, East Gippsland, Traralgon and Sale-Maffra. This competition was revived in 2019 with multiples sponsorships, however fell on the sword of COVID like many other incredible sporting initiatives and is yet to be revived.

Due to the history of the competition and success, there is many passionate people in the community that remained across the financial possibilities of No Boundaries and got in touch with us at GippSport to see how we could drive this.

We were able to work with the Gippsland Region 7 committee members and partner with Cricket Victoria to assist in promoting and delivering the program.

How this program got off the ground

Once our Program Coordinator connected with Gippsland Region 7 and Cricket Victoria, we identified the opportunity to provide a taster program on the back end of the cricket season in March and April. This could transfer to a longer lead in program in November 2024 involving clubs and organisations that would participate in the cricket season.

Our taster program included 3 sessions in Sale, Traralgon and Wonthaggi, and relied heavily on the place based built relationships of GippSport to garner participants and interest.

The Sale program had a gathering of participants from various corners, including the dedicated individuals from Yarram Mirridong who made the journey to join the cricketing action. Each week as a warmup the participants were led through some skills practice for bowling, batting, and fielding to ensure they were primed and ready to take on a game. The last session in Sale included more than 20 participants each having a go at every element, which was a testament to the inclusive nature of the program where every participant felt valued and involved in the action.

Our Traralgon sessions unfortunately were unable to reach any participants, which is something we are determined to work on for our end of year programming and welcome any connections.
The Wonthaggi program had an adjustment period from Thursdays to Fridays after some feedback from stakeholders, and what a difference it made. With over 30 participants attending the cricket fun on Fridays, they were guided through a cricket game no matter their disability, but most importantly encouraging a huge sense of fun while learning new skills or dusting off cobwebs.

The Results

With over 50 participants Gippsland wide, this short 3-week program completed the goal of reintroducing No Boundaries cricket for those with all abilities to enjoy. Participants were able to leave with some newly practiced or rediscovered skills, having had plenty of laughs and hopefully a positive sense of belonging to the cricketing community.
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What is next?

We are enthusiastic to run this program again leading into the 24/25 cricket season, to connect clubs and work with coaches looking to run a No Boundaries program or all abilities team within their clubs.

Keep an eye on our website for more details, to stay updated with our programs, and to see the great work of sporting clubs in our region highlighted. 

Are you interested in partnering with us to create physical activity opportunities for people with a disability?
Call us on 5176 3020 or email info@gippsport.com.au

Need more information?

Contact Us

GippSport acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, The Bunurong Peoples, Gunaikurnai Peoples and other traditional owner groups of the Gippsland/East Gippsland Region.  We recognise their ongoing connection to the land, waters and community, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and the ongoing living culture of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.

GippSport is committed to making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and working in solidarity towards reconciliation.

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GippSport – Gippsland Sports Assembly Inc.
PO Box 741, Traralgon, VIC, Australia 3844
Traralgon Sports Stadium, Catterick Cres, Traralgon

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