The NSW Government is investing $7.4 million in the world’s first International Cricket Hall of Fame to honour the legacy of sporting hero Sir Donald Bradman.

The Bowral facility – to be officially opened today – features themed exhibitions on the origins and the greats of the game with state-of-the-art interactive displays and large scale high definition video.

The NSW Government funding will support Stage 2 development of the International Cricket Hall of Fame. This includes:

• $4.49 million for the construction of five new galleries and expansion of display content, including the development of an Interactive Classroom Connect Program which will immediately connect the ICHOF to global educational institutions linked to the AARNET Internet Network;

• $1.65 million to upgrade the heritage-listed Bradman Oval to a world class standard – which will enable higher level matches to be played at the facility, including;
  A new building which will comprise ground staff machinery, a club room for local district cricket, a match umpires room, a scorers facility and an electronic scoreboard; and
  The replacement of all cricket nets – both hard wicket and turf practice nets; and

• $1.25 million over five years to assist with recurrent costs, including the development and service school and community based programs to capitalise on new visitor and business opportunities.

“Cricket is Australia’s favourite summer sport and it has become one of the most popular sports for both players and spectators around the world,” Ms Keneally said.

“We’re putting $7.4 million forward to cement the International Cricket Hall of Fame’s standing as a world-class cricket icon.

“Bowral has long laid claim to being a key development ground for a young Don Bradman and the local Bradman Museum has both honoured his legacy and bolstered tourism in the Southern Highlands.

“I commend the Bradman Foundation for taking its vision to the next level by establishing the new International Cricket Hall of Fame.

“Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or simply interested in learning more about one of the world’s most popular sports, the International Cricket Hall of Fame has something for the whole family.”

Sport Minister Kevin Greene said: “As a well known cricket tragic, I’m proud and delighted to deliver this significant investment in what is sure to become a must-see attraction for all cricket enthusiasts.

“As the world’s only International Cricket Hall of Fame, it is sure to attract more overseas visitors to NSW and reinforce our State’s reputation as the cricket capital of Australia.
“The hall of fame opens to the public on November 29, and I encourage all my fellow cricket fans to start planning their visit now.”

Background Notes

The Bradman Foundation

The Bradman Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable trust established in 1987 with the support of Sir Donald Bradman AC to promote cricket as a vibrant cultural and sporting force. The Bradman Foundation has successfully managed and operated the Bradman Museum, Pavillion and Bradman Oval, located within Glebe Park Bowral, for over twenty years.

The Bradman Museum’s current permanent exhibitions showcase many objects gifted by Sir Donald as well as the history of cricket from its 14th century origins to the creation of the modern 50-over game and World Series Cricket.  Funding for the Foundation’s activities comes from museum admissions, memberships, donations, sponsorship and fundraising events.

The International Cricket Hall of Fame

The International Cricket Hall of Fame is located in Bradman Oval, and includes a café and gift store in the complex.  For stage 1 of the development of the International Cricket Hall of Fame, the Bradman Foundation invested $1.3 million and the Commonwealth Government provided $6.5 million.  The building and fitout will be complete and operational from 21 November 2010.

In partnership with Cricket NSW, the SCG and ANZ Stadium, the International Cricket Hall of Fame plays a significant role in positioning NSW as the centre of cricket excellence, education and entertainment.  It is recognised by Tourism NSW as a major attraction and is locally recognised by Southern Highlands Tourism and Capital Country Tourism as a key attraction in the Sydney to Canberra corridor.  As the facility is almost entirely interactive, visitors can call up the experiences they most want to see from an extensive database of facts and exhibits.

Photo by Dianna Watson Photography