Amy Hume
Destructive floodwaters have rendered the Malmsbury Cricket Club homeless ahead of the imminent 2022-23 cricket season.
Ripped up fences and roadways, mould concerns, debris, and ruined gear, was just part of the devastation at the Malmsbury Cricket Ground following October’s heavy downpours.
MCC president Jenny Ganim said the facilities were unusable – a huge blow to the club’s 100 playing members.
“We’re just devastated,” she said. “For something that was so picture-perfect to be destroyed like this was pretty gut-wrenching.”
“Flood water was halfway up the clubroom walls and appears to be mixed with sewerage. We lost all our sporting kits for both baseball and cricket – and everything that was in our clubrooms.”
It was only in 2019 the grounds were upgraded with new practise nets, boundary fencing, pavilion re-cladding and kitchen.
More recently, the MCG had been earmarked for new elevated clubrooms – a project local cricketers now hope can be fast-tracked.
“We now have no infrastructure left at Malmsbury,” Ms Ganim said. “The grounds are unusable and it appears that mould is now growing on the oval.”
The flood event has also forced the club to cancel its major Show and Shine fundraiser originally planned for November. A new fundraiser is now in planning to assist the club with recovery.
MCC has also been working with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and local MP Mary-Anne Thomas to discuss options. Both inspected the site last week.
MRSC director of assets and operations, Shane Walden, said the immediate concern was about clubs being able to operate when the weather permits.
“Council will look into the possibility of provision of a temporary facility where required to facilitate club activities,” Mr Walden said.
He said the playing surface at Malmsbury was expected to recover well, the perimeter fence would be repaired and cricket nets, undamaged, would be cleaned.
“All building facilities onsite have been inspected by council officers and insurance assessors. Moderate remedial works are required to return the facilities to service,” Mr Walden said.
“Timeframes for required works are currently being worked through with our insurers, and the clubs will be informed as soon as possible.”
IMPACT WIDESPREAD
Woodend Bowling Club and Darraweit Guim Tennis Club are also among the sporting clubs impacted by the floods.
The Woodend bowling greens were inundated with both the synthetic and grass green in need of significant repair or replacement.
The Darraweit Guim Tennis Club has sustained damage to fencing, lighting and its clubrooms.
Mr Walden said the courts were currently undergoing structural assessment to determine what, if any, damage was sustained.
The council is investigating provision of temporary facilities while working through the insurance process.
Minor water ingress has also occurred at other venues throughout the shire with minimal impact.
FLOOD ASSISTANCE
MRSC has referred impacted clubs to the state government’s Community Sport Flood Assistance funding program.
The program provides grants of $5000 to replace equipment that may have been lost during the floods and is working with the council’s insurer to evaluate damage and arrange repairs.
General information about flood recovery can be found on the council’s website, and vic.gov.au/october-2022-flood-recovery
Information about the Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program is available at: business.vic.gov.au
