by Khrysti Balanay
Gladstone residents are gearing up to battle on the pitch for the inaugural police vs veterans Twenty20 charity cricket match.
Donations from the game will go towards the Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold Remembrance Fund.
On 12 December 2022, four Queensland Police Officers were ambushed at a property in Wieambilla, southwest Queensland, while attending a routine missing person inquiry. Tragically the two officers, McCrow and Arnold, suffered fatal injuries.
Organised by the president of Young Veterans Central Queensland and vice president of the Gladstone RSL Sub Branch, Jon Felton said the game of cricket started as just a friendly game between the police and veterans.
“Then myself and Constable Hayden Scott got together and discussed the opportunity to play a charity match,” Mr Felton said.
“It’s an inaugural match, but we hope to play it every year.
“At the moment, it is with the police, but we would like to engage other emergency services, such as the fire, ambulance and SES, in the future.
“It’s about bringing the community and emergency services together.”
Mr Felton said he is grateful to the community and business for their support.
“We are fortunate to have two major sponsors, High Risk Solutions and Multitrade Building Hire, who generously sponsored the shirts for both teams without hesitation,” he said.
“We have also received a perpetual trophy donated by one of our welfare officers up in Rockhampton, courtesy of RSL Queensland.
“We are currently reaching out to businesses for prizes and donations that we can raffle off during and after the game at the Gladstone Bowls Club.”
The game is set to begin on Sunday, 25 June at the Sun Valley Cricket Club from 9am to 12pm with an after-match function at the Gladstone Bowls Club and RSL Sub Branch from 1.30pm.
“The public is welcome to bring camp chairs and relax around the cricket field, and the canteen will be open for refreshments,” Mr Felton said.
“We plan to add excitement to the event with a PA system, announcing players and bowlers.
“This is a great opportunity for the people of Gladstone to come together, have fun, and support a good cause by helping us raise funds for these two officers.”
Detective Sergeant Wayne Butcher said although he has never coached a cricket team, he has been nominated as the police sides coach.
“I’ve worked closely with John Felton and the young veterans over the years,” he said.
“He has involved the police in their charity work and other initiatives, and this project is helping us out.
“It is a worthy cause with money going to the constables and the foundation.
“It will be a fun morning with laughs and comradery.”