Cricket Australia and Melbourne Cricket Club Foundation announce second annual National Indigenous Cricket Training Camp

This unique opportunity will see a select group of talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers come together for a week of intensive training, cultural exchange, and competitive matches.  

The training camp aims to foster and grow opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketing talent, in keeping with CA’s commitment to increase opportunities for players from both cultures and ease transitions through the pathway process.  

Activities across the weeklong camp include a welcome dinner hosted by the MCC Foundation, coaching and skill development, cultural health and wellbeing sessions, immersive experiences to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and cricket matches on the MCG against MCC premier cricket men’s and women’s sides.  

The 2023 National Indigenous Cricket Training Camp was an enormous success, providing an unforgettable experience for all players involved. The training camp featured T20 matches on the MCG and showcased the exceptional talent and spirit of Indigenous cricket.

The partnership with the MCC Foundation and the resultant MCG training camp is a key step in CA's broader strategy to increase Indigenous participation in cricket and nurture the next wave of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketing talent. 

Cricket Australia Head of Social Impact and Sustainability Megan Barnett-Smith said: “I am thrilled the National Indigenous Training Camp hosted by the MCC Foundation is back after the success of last year’s camp and cannot wait to see a new group of players converge on the MCG. 

“We remain committed to reconciliation, celebrating the ongoing contributions of First Nations Peoples across all aspects of our game and sustainably strengthening opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to play, attend and follow cricket.  

"Initiatives like investment in participation growth funding streams for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricket engagement activities, Reconciliation Rounds in Premier and Community cricket clubs, the Weber WBBL First Nations matches, the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC), and the training camp hosted by the MCC Foundation are practical steps to foster unity and connection through cricket. 

“Once again, we would like to thank our wonderful partner the MCC Foundation for their support in bringing initiatives like this to life.”    
National Indigenous Women's Coach Ash Renouf (Gubbi Gubbi) said: "It is really important that we continue to develop the best Indigenous players we see at the NICC each year. It is a priority for us that the players enjoy the program and their cricket as well as increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in the BBL, WBBL, and state-level cricket.  

“I know the girls are looking forward to the camp and opportunity to play on the MCG which is a special experience for everyone involved. I would also like to thank the MCC Foundation for their continued support over the past few years and into the future.” 

MCC Foundation Chair Sally Macindoe said: “Through our partnership with the NICC, the Melbourne Cricket Club Foundation is thrilled to welcome a group of exceptionally talented indigenous cricketers to train and play at the MCG, the beloved home of the MCC.  
  
“We’re immensely proud to help provide these outstanding young athletes with invaluable opportunities to develop their skills and experience the thrill of competing on cricket’s premier stage.  
  
“This National Indigenous Training Camp offers a unique blend of cricket, culture and connection. It’s an unforgettable week that allows athletes to hone their skills, while also immersing themselves in the unrivalled history of the MCG - the birthplace of Test cricket and a ground where legends like Scott Boland have etched their place in sporting history.” 

Squads for the 2024 National Indigenous Cricket Training Camp 

Men's Squad 
Brayden DeVries (Palawa/TAS), Blake Smith (Wiradjuri/NSW), Les Smith (Dhungutti and Biripi /NSW), Bailey Toseland (Taungurung/VIC), Damon Egan (Gunditjmara /VIC), Wade King (Ngampiaa /VIC), Cruz Baker (Dharug/QLD), Dylan McLachlan (Kamilaroi/QLD), Brock Larance (BiripiWA), Clint Hinchcliffe (Gundungurra /WA), Brendan Kopper (Palawa/TAS), Charlie Anderson (Kamilaroi/NSW), Kobe Ross (Kaiwalagal/NSW), Cody Hoffmeister (Palawa/WA) 

Women's Squad 
Dharmini Chauhan (Wiradjuri/NSW), Tahlia Meier (Wamba Wamba/VIC), Clodagh Ryall (Kaurareg/QLD), Tracee Williamson (Kaurareg/QLD), Grace Abdy (Waanyi Ganggalida/QLD), Christina Coulson (Kaurareg/QLD), Charlotte Toohey (WA), Callee Black (Wiradjuri/NSW), Carys Underwood (Kooma/QLD), Veronica Keen (Badimia/WA), Lara Graham (Kamilaroi/NSW), Maddison Spence (Wiradjuri/NSW), Aimee Ravot (Wiradjuri/NSW) 

Cricket Australia’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan will be launched during the National Indigenous Cricket Training Camp at the MCG.