More than 100 Victorian primary school students swapped the classroom for Government House today as Cricket Victoria launched Play Cricket Month. Now in its second year, the Games on the Green event brought together students from Boronia Heights Primary School and Victoria Road Primary School to showcase how cricket can be played anytime, anywhere. Victorian […]
More than 100 Victorian primary school students swapped the classroom for Government House today as Cricket Victoria launched Play Cricket Month.
Now in its second year, the Games on the Green event brought together students from Boronia Heights Primary School and Victoria Road Primary School to showcase how cricket can be played anytime, anywhere.
Victorian and Australian star Todd Murphy and Victorian Country Under-19 representative Charli McLennan joined students for activities throughout the day, sharing their experiences with the next generation of Victorian cricketers.
The event highlighted Cricket Australia's 'Cricket anytime, anywhere' philosophy and programs including Woolworths Cricket Blast and Smash Series, supporting its commitment to growing participation among children, women and girls, and diverse communities.
Victorian cricket participation reached record levels in 2025-26, with 158,877 club participants, including 51,580 juniors. Victoria also strengthened its position as Australia's leading state for women and girls' cricket, with 19,549 participants last season.
Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins said Government House provided a unique setting to launch another big summer of cricket.
"It was fantastic once again to launch Play Cricket Month in such a special setting, and we are incredibly grateful to Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC and the team at Government House for opening these beautiful grounds to Victorian school students.
"One of the great things about cricket is that it can truly be played anytime, anywhere. It might be at your local club, on a school oval, at the beach, in the backyard or, as we were lucky enough to experience today, on the lawns of Government House.
"For many children, their first experience of cricket starts simply by picking up a bat and ball with their friends. Days like today are about making that experience fun, accessible and memorable and hopefully inspiring more young Victorians to give cricket a go this summer."
The event was delivered alongside The LBW (Learning for a Better World) Trust, which supports educational opportunities for disadvantaged and regional communities in Australia and cricket-playing nations worldwide.
LBW Trust CEO Emma Bromley said the partnership showed cricket's ability to create opportunities well beyond the boundary.
"We're delighted to partner with Cricket Victoria and Government House for Games on the Greens. Cricket is such a great way to level the playing field in education. Every game played helps fund a library program in a country community, giving young people access to learning no matter their postcode."
Through National Backyard Cricket, the LBW Trust brings communities together to raise funds for country libraries across Australia, supporting programs that improve access to learning, connection and technology in rural and remote communities.
The Trust has delivered more than 320 library programs, with a particular focus on communities with populations of 10,000 people or fewer, while internationally supporting university and vocational education opportunities for disadvantaged young adults in cricket-playing nations.
About Government House Victoria
Celebrating its 150th year, Government House Victoria is the official residence of the Governor of Victoria and one of Melbourne's most significant historic landmarks. Set within expansive grounds alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens, it serves as a venue for ceremonial occasions, community events and the recognition of Victorians who make an outstanding contribution to the state.
Play Cricket
Cricket Victoria is encouraging Victorian families to discover the many ways to get involved in cricket this summer, with programs available for children aged five to 12 as well as dedicated opportunities for women and girls and participants from diverse communities.
From the backyard and schoolyard to local clubs and organised programs such as Woolworths Cricket Blast and the Smash Series, cricket can be played anytime, anywhere.
To find your nearest cricket program and sign up for the season, visit https://play.cricket.com.au/
