Yandina clubhouse upgrade clears way for female cricketers

Yandina Cricket Team, ca 1908, E.O. Perkins, courtesy of Picture Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast Council.

The Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council have delivered a sleek and modern clubhouse and paved the way for female participation at the 117 year old Yandina Cricket Club.

The $720,000 clubhouse upgrade unveiled last Tuesday will see major improvements including a complete roof renewal which was fitted out with solar panels.

Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton said the State invested $500,000 through the COVID Works for Queensland program. A key driver behind the project was updating the facility to make it more inclusive for men and women. Reconfigured change rooms will provide a unisex approach to design to encourage female players.

“This is a great project for our community, with the new clubhouse bringing our community together when we need it the most,” Mr Skelton said. 

“This is in addition to the $750,000 provided to Nambour Crushers Rugby League Club under the ‘Activate! Queensland’ program to upgrade their facilities, and $450,000 for Palmwoods Warriors Football Club from the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program.” 

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the upgrade included internal renovations, new walls, water and sewerage connections. 

“The new facilities are first class and the upgrades reinforce our commitment to encourage women and girls to participate in sport, as well as supporting the needs of umpires and officials who are critical contributors to club sport.” 

First match was versus Bli Bli in 1904

Division 10 Councillor David Law said the North Street, Yandina precinct had stood the test of time.

“The first game at the Yandina Cricket Club was in 1904 against Bli Bli. Now look at it. Hasn’t it come a long way in 117 years?” Cr Law said.

“Council contributed $200,000 to help deliver a fantastic facility that players can be proud of, and who knows, it might give them a strong home ground advantage. 

“The facility underwent major improvements to the façade, providing an improved experience for bowlers, batters, spectators and umpires.

“I want to also point out the facility was designed to support the multiple playing fields adjacent to the clubhouse, which is paramount in supporting popular and growing club numbers.” 

Clubhouse meets growing demand from women cricketers

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said Queensland Cricket led the nation in encouraging female participation. Queensland Cricket had seen 14 percent growth in female players numbers. It contributed $20,000 towards the clubhouse upgrade.

“The refurbished facility provides a clubhouse and change rooms that will help us meet the growing level of participants in cricket, particularly for our ever increasing numbers of female players,” he said.

“Queensland Cricket has, despite these challenging times, increased its financial commitment to infrastructure to record levels to ensure our clubs and volunteers have access to sustainable and safe facilities.”