A Century Of Cricket, Community And Connection In Home Hill

Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr has played a key role in helping the Home Hill Cricket Association continue to thrive, providing both sponsorship and grant funding for important projects. Photo supplied

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For more than 100 years, the Home Hill Cricket Association has been at the heart of sport in the Burdekin, bringing generations together through a shared love of the game.

As the region’s only junior and senior cricket club, the association plays a vital role in keeping grassroots sport alive. But for Tiffany Olditch and the many volunteers behind the scenes, it’s about far more than cricket.

“Ensuring grassroots sports remain active in the community contributes to a sense of belonging and promotes a healthy lifestyle,” Tiffany explains.

That sense of belonging is evident across all levels of the club. From young rookies learning the basics to senior players competing in the CNQ Townsville Second and Third Grade competitions, the Home Hill Cricket Association creates opportunities for people of all ages to connect, compete and grow.

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A highlight on the local sporting calendar is the Canefield Ashes cricket carnival, hosted annually by the club. Now in its 22nd year, the event honours the memory of past member Eugene Pagotto and brings together 40 teams from across North Queensland for a two-day T20 competition. Beyond the action on the field, the carnival also gives back, with a portion of proceeds donated each year to a local cancer-related charity.

It’s events like these that showcase the power of community sport—and the importance of local support.

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Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr has played a key role in helping the association continue to thrive, providing both sponsorship and grant funding for important projects. That support has delivered real outcomes, including the purchase of a new zero-turn mower to maintain the playing fields and the installation of roller shutters to improve the clubhouse’s security and weather protection.

“These improvements make a big difference to our players and volunteers,” Tiffany says. “They help us provide a better environment for everyone involved.”

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Equally important is the club’s focus on developing the next generation. Young cricketers are introduced to the game through weekly skills sessions at East Ayr State School, while older juniors take to the field on Friday afternoons. With support from Queensland Cricket, school-based programs and holiday clinics ensure kids across the Burdekin have the chance to get involved.

Whether it’s a child picking up a bat for the first time or a team representing Home Hill across the region, the association continues to strengthen community ties both on and off the field.

And with the ongoing backing of Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, the future of cricket in the Burdekin looks as strong as ever.

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Contributed with thanks to Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr

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