Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, officially opened the International Cricket Hall of Fame today at Australia’s spiritual home of cricket, Bowral in New South Wales.
Bowral will house a state-of-the-art exhibition of all things cricket from World Series Cricket to the present.
Minister Ferguson said the museum was poised to feature on the travel itineraries of sports lovers from around the world.
“I am proud to open the International Cricket Hall of Fame, an attraction which will promote and preserve our history and enhance our pride in Australia’s sporting achievements,” Minister Ferguson said.
“The Hall of Fame will become a significant asset for Australia’s $33 billion tourism industry, attracting increasing numbers of visitors to the Southern Highlands to see the exhibition.
The Australian Government contributed $6.5 million towards the construction of the Hall of Fame, to commemorate the centenary of Sir Donald Bradman’s birth in 2008.
“The Australian Government was happy to contribute to this world-class attraction. We have also invested an additional $20,000 under the TQUAL Grants program towards the $40,000 for the development of a strategy and action plan to maximise visitor numbers to the Hall of Fame.”
Minister Ferguson congratulated the volunteers of the Bradman Foundation for their vision and commitment in making the ambitious project a reality.
“For years the devoted volunteers at the Bradman Foundation have been working to preserve Sir Donald Bradman’s legacy.
“Grassroots community action is a driving force for innovation in our tourism industry, and I congratulate the Bradman Foundation on this significant achievement,” Minister Ferguson said.
Tourism contributes almost $14 million to the New South Wales economy each year, providing over 160,000 jobs.
Since 2009, TQUAL Grants has provided over $8 million towards 70 innovative tourism projects throughout Australia. In this year’s election the Australian Government contributed a further $40 million to extend the highly successful program for another four years.