Cricket New South Wales honours state’s first Aboriginal first class cricketer in National Reconciliation Week

Callan Morse Published May 30, 2024 at 4.30pm (AWST)

Sport

NSW Indigenous women's team coach Kerry Marshall (right), manager Hannah Trethewy and Cricket NSW staff after adding the plaque commemorating Murrumgunarrimin to Cricket Central’s picket fence. (Image: supplied, CNSW)

The memory of the man generally regarded as Australia's first Aboriginal First Class cricketer has been honoured by Cricket New South Wales as part of National Reconciliation Week activities.

It came as a plaque dedicated to Twopenny (also known as Murrumgunarrimin), a member of the 1868 all-Aboriginal cricket team to tour England and first Aboriginal cricketer to represent NSW in 1870 was unveiled on the picket fence of Cricket New South Wales' (CNSW) 'Cricket Central' this week.

CNSW's recognition of Murrumgunarrimin, who played one First Class match for the state against Victoria in 1870, was one of numerous activities undertaken by the sport's governing body during National Reconciliation Week (NRW) as part of the organisation's ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

Cricket NSW Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group external co-chair, Andrew Gordon, said CNSW has entered a new era in developing its relationship with Aboriginal communities across the state.

"The National Reconciliation Week theme, Now More Than Ever, correlates to an integral part of the continued development and work being established by Cricket NSW," Gordon said.

The former NSW Indigenous team member said he had been fortunate to participate, advise and support the creation of Aboriginal programs established in Cricket NSW's RAP.

"These programs exist because of past Aboriginal players, coaches and Cricket NSW staff creating opportunities for Aboriginal people to play and enjoy cricket," Gordon said.

"In saying this, it's also a timely reminder for our peak cricketing body in NSW to continually engage our Aboriginal communities, learn about our culture, our history and direct our focus on creating sustainable pathways for Aboriginal people in cricket."

A plaque recognising Murrumgunarrimin as Australia's first Aboriginal First Class cricketer was unveiled as part of activities undertaken by Cricket NSW during National Reconciliation Week. (Image: supplied, CNSW)

In addition to recognising Murrumgunarrimin during NRW, Cricket NSW staff also participated in From Awareness to Allyship, a cricket-specific cultural learning session delivered by respected First Nations educator, Rob Hyatt from Melbourne's Koori Heritage Trust.

Gordon said he saw the 2024 NRW theme as an opportunity to encourage the participation of Aboriginal people in all aspects of cricket.

"The NRW theme, Now More Than Ever, in my opinion is a beginning and we must value that step towards the importance of having Aboriginal people in all facets of our game," he said.

CNW has sent a state team to Australia's annual Indigenous cricket carnival, the Imparja Cup and National Indigenous Championships since 2003 (men) and 2008 (women), winning a combined 23 titles across both divisions of the tournament.

The organisation says it's finalising its second Innovate RAP, which is due to be submitted to Reconciliation Australia next month.