The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

The team of 1868—our Indigenous pioneer cricketers

Today's ceremony honouring the achievements of Australia's first international cricket team-an all-Aboriginal side from western Victoria that toured England in 1868-helps complete Australia's sporting history, the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, said today.

'The assignment of individual player numbers and the commemorative presentations will formally confirm the place of the team of 1868 in this country's sporting heritage,' Senator Kemp said.

'It is significant and fitting that this event is occurring during today's international test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and during what is traditionally the biggest Test event in Australia's cricketing calendar.

'I acknowledge the involvement in the presentations of Len Clarke, a descendant of one of the original team members, and Faith Thomas, an outstanding contemporary Aboriginal cricketer.

'One of Australia's modern cricketing legends, Ian Chappell, has put an enormous personal effort into this to ensure that our links with our sports history are properly honoured. I would like to thank Mr Chappell and Chairman of Cricket Australia, Bob Merriman, for their dedication to making today's events meaningful.

'I am pleased to say that the Australian Government has supported today's ceremony with a grant of $15,000 in recognition both of its historical importance and its potential to inspire young Indigenous Australians to take up the game.'

The United Nations has proclaimed 2005 the International Year for Sport and Physical Education as a means to promote education, health, development and peace.

During the year, the Australian Government will support events that reflect its commitment to participation by the whole community, including physical activity and sport programs for schoolchildren, women, Indigenous Australians and people with disabilities.

MELBOURNE
27 December 2004

Media contact: Adrian Chippindale 0407 208 743