Pat Cummins has secured a major win for cricket and all community sport with today’s announcement of Game On, a landmark $50 million Federal Government investment launched at Howell Oval, Penrith.
Pat Cummins and Cricket for Climate spearhead $50m Federal Government funding to future-proof community sport
Modelled on the Cricket for Climate blueprint, the Game On program will support up to 500 community sports clubs nationwide over the next four years with upgrades such as:
• Solar, batteries, and energy efficiency solutions to cut power bills
• Shade, drainage, and infrastructure improvements to withstand extreme weather
• Reinvestment of energy savings into grassroots programs and facilities
• Flagship clubs — inspiring, zero-emissions community hubs showing what the future of sport can look like.
Cummins established the not-for-profit Cricket for Climate at his NSW Premier Cricket club Penrith in 2021 to deliver practical solar and battery projects for clubs nationwide.
These projects cut energy costs, improve climate resilience and redirect financial savings back into grassroots programs including providing equipment, girls’ participation programs and facility upgrades.
Pat Cummins, Cricket for Climate founder said:
“Some 14 million Australians are involved in community sport and 66% (Australian Sports Foundation, 2024) of clubs are struggling to make ends meet, while also facing the increasing pressures of extreme weather.
“Sports clubs are the heartbeat of many Australian communities. With extreme weather hitting harder each year, now’s the time to future-proof our clubs with solar, batteries, and all-weather solutions.
“I’m pumped to be back where it all started, announcing a $50 million Federal Government investment that will see the work we’ve been leading through Cricket for Climate expand across all community sport.
“I’m really excited to see the support from the Federal Government. It’s going to make a big difference to so many local sporting clubs across the country, meaning more play, fewer cancellations, and stronger communities. Clubs are where so many of us grow up, make mates, and stay active.
Joanne Bowen, Cricket for Climate CEO, said:
"This kind of program is a great example of taking action and shows the great results we get with teamwork, with sports clubs, communities and governments working together.
“This is just the beginning, and we invite Australian business to get involved. This is a turning point for community sport. By acting on clean energy solutions, we’re not only lowering costs for clubs but also protecting the places where Australians connect, play, and grow.”
Paul Goldsmith, Penrith Cricket Club President, said:
“To have this program launched here at Howell Oval is incredibly special. Clubs like ours carry the weight of rising costs and unpredictable weather every season.
“We’ve benefited from what Pat and Cricket for Climate have done for us. This funding means we can focus on what we do best—bringing people together through sport and nurturing the next generation of cricketers.”