Meetings are held at 6.30pm on the first and third Thursdays of the month.
Meetings are held at 6.30pm on the first and third Thursdays of the month.
Brian Rooney and Denis Wilkinson from Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association (MAACA) were our guest speakers. They spoke about their organisation which aims to provide opportunities for those with physical and intellectual disabilities to participate in sporting activities such as cricket. The organisation came about as an off shoot of the Seddon Cricket Club who remain their major sponsor. They spoke of a sense of belonging and being part of something bigger, being a member of a team.
L-R:Brian, Pres. Bob, and Denis
The club plays on regular cricket pitches but often uses a softer ball and all players are required to wear helmets when batting. Some of the participants are accompanied by carers on match days.
Denis plays with MAACA and he spoke about the positive impact belonging to this club has made to his life.Additionally,Denis has had the opportunity to develop his skills in speaking in public to a group of people.He was very much at ease and confident in speaking to the members at our Rotary meeting.
MAACA used the opportunity to film Denis and Brian’s talks for a documentary that they are making.
The organisation does not receive any financial support from Cricket Australia or from Cricket Victoria and relies upon community support for funds.They are part of a larger group MAACA [Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Assoc] which has branches in the North and East of Melbourne.
Following the presentations, the donation made by Sue Hope, wife of DG during their club visit, to be passed onto a local charity was presented to MAACA.
The organisation has DGR status and thus would qualify for a grant from our FRACS Trust and has been encouraged to apply for a grant in our next distribution in 2027.
