11/09/2026
đź“Ł MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
As all will be aware, over the last couple of seasons we have been working hard with a number of parties to fund the replacement of our Tompkins Park 1 (TP1) turf block.
This has included the City of Melville, the State Govt and also the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund and we sincerely appreciate their assistance.
At the end of last season, we were able to undertake the works to excavate the existing and lay the new block, noting inclement weather at the end of March and during April meant works were subsequently delayed by approx 5-6 weeks.
Over the off season we have been working closely with Programmed (the contractor), the City of Melville and an external contractor to monitor the progress of root establishment and growth in preparation for the new season.
During this period we made the decision with a new wicket bedding down, that we would move our most senior fixtures to TP2 which is already reflected in the fixtures.
Recently upon inspection of the block and subsequent discussions, it became evident that the block was not significantly progressed for all parties to feel comfortable to be playing games on TP1 from round 1. This led to the Club discussing options with WA Cricket and conversations have been ongoing over recent weeks in regards to fixtures and venues in the first 7 rounds of the competition.
I am therefore pleased to advise that we have been able to secure alternate venues for this period, however for a small number of games this will mean a change to playing days.
The changes will be reflected in the fixtures shortly and the coaches, playing groups and impacted parents have been advised accordingly.
Clearly this is not ideal, however with the delay to works caused by mother nature and player welfare and safety being of the utmost importance, I believe the right decision has been made to ensure games are played as close to the normal schedule as possible, albeit with some accommodations needing to be made.
I would like to thank and acknowledge the work of Luke Douglas at WA Cricket for making this possible as well as Murdoch University and other Premier Cricket Clubs.
And finally, I am often reminded to look at the bigger picture.
Replacing a 60-year-old wicket block is no small undertaking and is something we needed to do to continue to look to improve the program we provide at Melville.
For a new asset that will have a minimum useful life of approx 30 years, I am mindful that for the short-term pain of re-fixturing, we will reap the benefits of an asset over the longer term.
MCC President
Mark Herbert
WACA - Western Australian Cricket Association WA Premier Cricket Fremantle District Cricket Club Perth Cricket Club
