The Murray River Challenge Cup will be taking place this Sunday October 11.

Media Release

Tuesday, 6 October 2009

Communities from Victorian regional centres will get the chance to meet former Australian cricketer and Murray River Challenge Cup Ambassador Jason Gillespie this week when all the action of the Twenty20 competition gets underway in Swan Hill this Sunday, October 11.

With representatives from six separate Indigenous communities seeking to take out top honours in the competition, this is an ideal opportunity to witness all the fast-paced action of the event, with the Murray River Challenge Cup final to take place under lights at 7pm.

The teams, from Mildura, Robinvale, Swan Hill, Kerang, Echuca and Shepparton, will be made up of local Indigenous community members, Victoria Police and local cricket members.

The round robin competition will kick off from 9am at the Swan Hill Recreation Oval with a range of activities for the whole family also planned for the day, which will celebrate Indigenous culture and promote community harmony.

Activities will include the 2009 Harmony 8s Challenge (which will see Indigenous and non-Indigenous children between nine and 12 years playing a Kanga 8s modified cricket match), long throw and fastest throw competitions, big hit competition, games and activities, Koorie art, music, jumping castle and much more.

Swan Hill Rural City Council's Aboriginal Affairs Manager and Murray River Challenge Cup Committee Chair Rob Connelly said the competition aimed to break down barriers and promote stronger partnerships between local Indigenous communities and other areas of the community.

“This event will see six communities from regional Victoria come together as well as our Indigenous youth, police and other community members and will encourage stronger ties across our region,” he said.

“It is also fantastic to have Jason Gillespie on board as our Ambassador for the competition. He is a great role model for our youth and we look forward to having Jason visit the Swan Hill region and take part in all the action on the day.”

Mr Gillespie will be presenting the winning trophy on the day as well as the Jason Gillespie medal to the best player in the final.

State selectors for the Victorian Imparja Cup side (which is played every year in Alice Springs) will also be in attendance on the day, giving local talent the opportunity to progress through the Victorian Indigenous pathway system and the potential to represent Victoria at a national level.

“It's terrific that this inaugural event will kick off in Swan Hill and it would be great to see our community getting out there on the day to support the competition,” Mr Connelly said.

“Everyone is welcome to attend this great family day out, enjoy the activities and witness the cricketing talents in our region.”

The Murray River Challenge Cup is a joint project between Cricket Victoria, Victoria Police, Indigenous Communities throughout the region, Swan Hill Aboriginal Health Service, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, Department of Justice and Swan Hill Rural City Council.