Oscar Parry
Hanging Rock Cricket Club is reminding residents that the club is still accepting new members, with a change in venue not expected in the near future.
The Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan was released by the state government last year, providing a pathway for long-term management of the reserve and protecting its cultural significance.
The master plan was created with contributions from the DELWP, Macedon Ranges council, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Taungurung Land & Waters Council, and Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation).
The state government also purchased East Paddock at Hanging Rock from Macedon Ranges council.
The master plan will require the Hanging Rock Cricket Club to eventually relocate to a new venue.
Hanging Rock Cricket Club secretary Nick Maxwell said that in a recent meeting with council, the club was advised that the timing of relocation could be between seven to ten years.
“We just want to … [make] the public aware that the cricket club is still in existence and we haven’t gone anywhere – because we do quite often get comments from members of the public … [asking] ‘is the club still running?’ Mr Maxwell said.
“We want to get the point across that, at this point in time for the club, it is still business as usual.”
Mr Maxwell said that the club is accepting new members, and when certain age group numbers have dwindled in previous seasons, it has collaborated with other local clubs to fill player gaps.
“Last season we … partnered up with Woodend Cricket Club to ensure we could get an under 17s team across the line … and we’ll be doing similar things this year if that’s what it takes to get as many kids still playing the game,” he said.
In a media release from the Hanging Rock Cricket Club committee, it said that the club also has a vacancy for a coach for the upcoming 2024/25 season.
To enquire about memberships and the club coach vacancy, email hangingrockcc@gmail.com or contact the club on their Facebook page.
