The game of blind cricket had its beginning within the State
of Queensland in the year of 1935. The employees of the
Queensland Blind Industrial Institute at Dutton Park, Brisbane
played during the luncheon interval. Shortly after its
introduction, the game of blind cricket came under the control of
the Royal Blind Society of Queensland situated at South Brisbane.
On the weekend during the summer season social cricket
matches were arranged for the members of the Society including
some Interstate Blind Cricket Carnivals against the States of New
South Wales and Victoria. Matches were held at playing fields
situated at Lone Pine and The Blunder, near Oxley.
In August, 1951 several members decided to form their own Blind
Cricket Club which was constituted as the Queensland Blind Wattle
Cricket Club. For the first two years this club held cricket
matches at various playing fields situated throughout Brisbane.
In September, 1953 the then Lord Mayor of the Brisbane City
Council Frank Roberts set aside a playing field at Yeronga Park
which still remains part of the leased playing area of the
Queensland Blind Cricket Association Inc.
In October 1955 a wooden building was erected on the site at
Yeronga Park through voluntary efforts of members of the City of
Brisbane Lions Club and voluntary members of the club.
Improvements were carried out over many years by up-grading the
playing field, supply of water and electricity to Yeronga Park
and in September, 1971 a second playing field was made available
by the Brisbane City Council for the use of the members of the
Queensland Blind Wattle Cricket Club.
In July, 1976 at a Special General Meeting the club changed
its name to the Queensland Blind Cricket Club and it was not
until July, 1986 that the name Queensland Blind Cricket
Association Inc. was introduced when the members incorporated
under the current Act.
From a very humble beginning of seven members the Association has
at present three teams named Pioneers, Wattles and Yeronga with a
membership of fifty. Queensland first competed in the Australian
Blind Cricket Carnival held in Melbourne in December, 1952 and
has continued every two years to have a representative team from
Queensland compete in these carnivals. Queensland has hosted five
Australian Blind Cricket Carnivals since its inception and
completed a modern brick building to replace the existing wooden
building in October 1982.
The Queensland Blind Cricket Association Inc. is unique in that
totally blind and partially sighted members comprise the
Management Committee and other committees. The Association has
voluntary sighted helpers who carry out the duties of umpires,
scorers and volunteers at social functions.
Further inquiries may be directed to the Queensland Blind Cricket
Association Inc. on 07 3288 9904. or you can send email to: Chris Pocock
Q.B.C.A. Secretary.
Compiled on behalf of the Queensland Blind Cricket Association by
Trevor Vayro.
