A good quality turning pitch and a vocal
crowd of nearly 200 contributed to making an inaugural T20 cricket match at Mt
Field National Park, an overwhelming success.
Parks and Wildlife Service community engagement officer and admitted cricket
tragic Sam Cuff, said the event, organised by the Parks and Wildlife Service,
Wildcare Inc and the Intercultural Sports League, was part of the Get Outside
with Community (GO) program and was aimed at supporting recently arrived Syrian
refugees to settle into their new Australian home.
The match featured a PWS
team of staff and aspiring cricketers from the community pitting their skills
against the Intercultural Sports League 'dream team'.
The day featured cricket, soccer, rainforest walks and what has become an
outstanding feature of all Get Outside with Community activities, a
multicultural lunchtime feast. “This event once again showcased the power that
the state's parks provide to build our community through laughter, exercise and
common connections," Sam said.
Those attending included many recent migrants from Syria and Iraq, as well as
Nepal, India and various African nations. “The GO community leaders did a great
job. Their ability to confidently lead walks and manage the event is a
testament to the character of these individuals," Sam said.
For more about the Get Outside with the Community program check out the YouTube video