MEDIA RELEASE
September 30, 2024
Cricket Australia launches Project Inspire to empower women in cricket leadership
Cricket Australia is proud to announce the launch of Project Inspire, a key initiative under its 10-year Women & Girls Action Plan, which aims to increase the presence and impact of women in leadership roles at all levels of the game.
Running from December 2024 through to October 2025, Project Inspire will provide participants with hands-on leadership training through virtual learning and immersive experiences, led by Australian cricket legend, Belinda Clark and Chris Rubick. The program is designed to support women from all backgrounds who are passionate about cricket and want to make a positive impact in their communities.
As well as monthly online sessions, participants will engage in an immersive 2-day workshop held during the CommBank Women’s Ashes Day-Night Test at the MCG in January 2025. Throughout the program, participants will use their learnings to design and implement an initiative aimed at growing the presence of women and girls in cricket at the community level.
Jodie Newton, Cricket Australia’s Chief of Staff, said:
“Having more influential female leaders across Australian Cricket and inspiring the next generation is a key aspiration of our Women and Girls action plan. Project Inspire is an important new initiative that demonstrates our commitment to building pathways for women in every facet of the game.
“The program will equip participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence to drive the future of the sport, both on and off the field, at all levels.
“With just four months to go until the historic CommBank Women’s Day-Night Ashes Test at the MCG, this initiative comes at a time when the growth of the women’s game is stronger than ever.
“The program’s leadership workshop at the MCG will showcase the importance of investing in the development of women who will shape the sport for years to come.
“Through Project Inspire we hope to create a more inclusive, dynamic cricket landscape, one that reflects the diversity of our communities and sets a new benchmark for equality in sport.”
Belinda Clark, former Australian captain and Australian Cricket Hall of Famer, said:
“Throughout my cricket journey, I often found myself in situations where I was the only girl on the team or woman in the room.
“From leading the Australian team on the field to taking on senior executive roles off it, I’ve always sought to make a positive difference, push boundaries, and challenge conventions, helping other girls and women across all elements of sport embrace the thrill and challenge of leadership. This is particularly critical at the community level where the opportunity and benefits of more diverse leadership is at its greatest.
“Project Inspire aligns perfectly with this mission – to equip women with the skills and confidence to lead and make a lasting impact on the game across all levels. With my teammate Chris Rubick, I’m excited to see how this 11-month program will continue to change the landscape, ensuring women have the support and guidance to step into leadership roles that will shape the future of cricket.
“Aligning the first workshop with the historic CommBank Women’s Day-Night Ashes Test is a great way to connect grassroots groundbreakers with the cricket changemakers.”
Project Inspire is open to all women who are passionate about becoming a changemaker in cricket including volunteers, players, match officials, coaches, and administrators.
Program Details:
- Online sessions: Monthly from December 2024 to April 2025
- Immersion Workshop (in-person): January 30 – February 1, 2025, at the MCG
- Community Initiative: To be developed and delivered from May to October 2025
Second Workshop (in-person): October 2025 (location TBC)
For more information and to apply, visit play.cricket.com.au
ENDS.
