VCV, which over the past several years had received a $5000 grant from Campaspe Shire Council for bringing the tournament to the area, was denied in its grant application for the 2025 edition.
After further discussions, the council came to a compromised value of $2000 in event attraction funding for the five-day tournament.
VCV vice-president Greg Sebire estimates the event brings around $1.5 million of revenue to the region each year, with an expected 30 teams featuring 500 players plus partners staying five to six nights in the area for this year’s edition.
Sixteen local grounds within Goulburn Murray Cricket host the veterans sides during the tournament and are compensated by VCV for the use of their facilities.
Sebire said he was pleased that VCV and council were able to reach an agreement.
“VCV believe we have an asset, and we believe it has value to a particular region, so we’re happy that Campaspe (Shire Council) has decided to assist us,” he said.
Pitches in Echuca, Moama, Kyabram, Rochester, Lockington-Bamawm, Leitchville-Gunbower and Girgarre were among those used in last year’s carnival.
Council director communities Jo Bradshaw said VCV’s latest application through council’s Community Events Sponsorship program “did not provide enough information to meet our guidelines and criteria”.
“The Community Event Sponsorship program is a competitive grant process where there are many grants to assess, and criteria must be met in order to qualify,” she said.
“The Over 60s Cricket Carnival is a great event, and we encourage them to apply again in future.
“In the meantime, to ensure the viability of the tournament, we have been able to offer Veterans Cricket Victoria $2000 in event attraction funding, and we look forward to welcoming players to another fantastic Over 60s Cricket Carnival this year.”
Sebire plans to continue conversations with council and Goulburn Murray Cricket while the tournament takes place in March.
“We’re looking forward to a positive outcome of that meeting,” he said.
“At the moment (we’ve) got our options open but looking forward to the continuation of the arrangement with (Campaspe) Shire Council and Goulburn Murray Cricket.”
Sebire highlighted the mental and physical health benefits for VCV members from involvement in veterans cricket.
“Getting men over the age of 60 active and out playing a sport that they love is a fantastic thing,” he said.
“The fastest growing demographic of sporting involvement is veterans cricket, and we’re planning on even having an over 80s competition probably in a couple of years’ time.”
Sebire identified Benalla and Euroa as the closest over-60s sides to the Campaspe region, but said the competition was always looking to expand, encouraging interested local players to get involved with a team, or contact VCV about the possibility of forming a new club.
The Veterans Cricket Victoria Over 60s Echuca Carnival is set to run from Sunday, March 16 to Thursday, March 20.
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