Small Margins, Big Moments at Dharug Big Bash

The final matches were decided by the smallest margins, one by a single run and another by just two. For many students, it was their first experience playing cricket in a structured match. What had begun just weeks earlier as something new had quickly become a day of confident, engaged and enjoyable play. 

The program was developed through a shared focus on creating more opportunities for young people in the area to experience cricket. Following an initial check-in with schools, Wilmot Public School teacher Rosa was inspired to explore the potential to reshape the culture around cricket, prompting broader conversations across the Mount Druitt PSSA about what schools needed and what was missing. 

While sport is an intrinsic part of community life, particularly in rugby league and netball, access to cricket is limited. With only a singular club on the edge of the district and many families experiencing financial pressure, participating in additional sports is often not an option. For a community with a high proportion of First Nations students and diverse cultural backgrounds, cricket has not traditionally been as visible or accessible. 

As Blackett Public School Assistant Principal Tim Galloway explained, access is one of the key barriers for students. 

“We’re a low SES school, and for many families, if there is a sport their child can access, it usually isn’t cricket. Even if they’re interested, they often can’t afford to be involved in more than one sport.” 

In response, schools worked alongside Cricket NSW to deliver flexible, in-school programs supported by the Cricket NSW Foundation. Designed to remove common barriers, the four-week initiative brought coaching, equipment and structured sessions directly into the school day. 

More than 2,300 students across 7 schools took part, focusing on building confidence through fundamental cricket skills. For most, it was their first exposure to the game, and the progress of skills built confidence and a strong sense of achievement. 

At the end of the program, 14 teams from across five schools came together for the Dharug Big Bash. While the games were competitive, including a closely contested final won by Whalan Public School, the impact extended well beyond the results. 

“Our school had several teams participating in the event, including one with a number of students with disabilities. While they didn’t win as many games as they might have hoped, one moment really stood out. A boy took a one-handed catch on the boundary in front of a group of parents. Those moments, when a student achieves something special, are the ones that stay with you.” 

Moments like this reflected the intent of the program, to create an environment where every student could take part and experience success in their own way. 

“The most important facet was inclusion. It’s something we talk about a lot at our school, and the fact that we were able to involve every student in the training program, and have more than 60 students from a wide range of backgrounds, abilities and genders participate in the gala day, was incredibly significant.” 

Beyond the field, the event reinforced the role of schools as key access points for sport within the community. With limited local cricket infrastructure, delivering programs through schools helped create a shared experience for students, families and staff. Parents lined the boundary throughout the day, supporting and celebrating moments that may not otherwise have been possible. 

For teachers, the value of the program was clear, not just in skill development but in encouraging students to try something new. 

“It’s more about participation than competition. If students can try something new, enjoy it and see that they can improve, that’s what matters most.” 

Following the success of the Dharug Big Bash, schools and the Cricket NSW Foundation are looking to build on the momentum, with interest in continuing programs and exploring further opportunities for community engagement. 

What began as a conversation has grown into a model shaped by the needs of local schools. By focusing on access, inclusion and participation, the Dharug Big Bash has created meaningful opportunities for students in Mount Druitt to experience the game. 

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