By Matthew Sims
Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) adults and children would soon have the opportunity to take part in physical activity on Melbourne’s hallowed ground – the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (WBCF) have announced the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation as the presenting partner of the WBCF’s CALDplay program, a free program which delivers sport engagement sessions to more than 1000 CALD adults who have newly arrived to Australia, as a way to develop their English skills and increase social participation.
Working alongside schools across the western suburbs, the program would take students out of the classroom for trips to the ‘G to break down economic, cultural and language barriers which newly arrived residents commonly face.
The WBCF and the MCC launched the partnership on Wednesday, March 29, with 200 migrant and refugee adult participants visiting the Australian Sports Museum and taking a tour of the MCG.
Western Bulldogs community and government relations general manager Kashif Bouns said the club was “extremely proud” to be partnering with the MCC Foundation to create opportunities to unite CALD communities.
“The partnership will allow us to continue to provide this program to hundreds of newly arrived adults and children for free, giving them the chance to not only learn sport but become more deeply involved in their community.”
MCC Foundation chair Sally Macindoe said the new partnership would deliver a “significant positive impact” on individuals and the wider community.
“The partnership with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation is very exciting and fundamentally aligns with the MCC Foundation’s commitment to make sport more accessible for all people, regardless of cultural, economic or geographic barriers,” she said.
“Together with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, the MCC Foundation is thrilled to play a part in helping these students build skills, forge connections and pursue their full potential through the fun of the sporting field.”
Details: www.westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation/programs/settlement-services
