Short History of Australian IFCR

We, in Australia, have been participants in IFCR through all of its existence. We are proud that the Melbourne Rotary International Convention was the occasion when the formal foundation of our Fellowship took place. Membership of IFCR in Australia has grown to its current 200 from its beginnings in 1993 when Gordon Fenwick of Adelaide met with founder of IFCR, Geoffrey Pike, at the RI Convention in Melbourne.

Our branch has been well served in turn by inaugural president, Peter Daly, from New South Wales and his successors, David Breusch, Charles Townsing, Don McQueen, Ian Petherick, David Horsley, Bruce Pooley. and Bob Brigden.

Touring has been a highlight in the lives of many of our members. Visits have been undertaken to England, New Zealand, South Africa and India as well as participation in the all eight World Rotary Cricket Festivals at Fordingbridge (UK), Chennai (India), Christchurch (NZ), Hunter Valley (Australia), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Durban (South Africa), Vapi/Daman (India) and Nottingham.

On the domestic level, many fixtures have taken place in all the mainland states. Places as widely dispersed as Bathurst, Armidale, Cessnock, Maitland, Wagga Wagga and Young in New South Wales, Mildura, Strath Creek, Maryborough, Melbourne, Wodonga and Benalla in Victoria, Bundaberg and Brisbane in Queensland, Adelaide in South Australia and Perth, Bunbury, Busselton and Kalgoorlie in Western Australia have all hosted IFCR fixtures. In the island state of Tasmania games have been played in Devonport, Westbury, Scottsdale and Hobart.

Some of our cricket matches and tournaments have been the beneficiaries of equipment donated by sporting goods companies such as Puma and Kookaburra.

Our member, Don McQueen established the Hume and Hovell Cricket Ground at Strath Creek, which is no more than two hours north of Melbourne as an English ‘village green’ style cricket ground. Strath Creek has become recognised in recent years as the spiritual home of Australian IFCR.

We want all Rotarians in Australia who are interested in cricket, either on the playing field or just as enthusiasts, to know that they can participate with us and gain the same benefits as present members.

It’s so easy to join us. All you need to do is to contact the AusIFCR Secretary/Treasure, Col Lawson. You can do this by clicking here. Or you can snail mail to him at 20 Morwong Close, Kanimbla, Cairns, QLD 4870. And you can talk to him on 041-950-2820. Col will be very pleased to give you any information you require about IFCR and AuIFCR.