New-look WACA to honour Indigenous pioneers
The WACA facelift, which includes a six-lane swimming pool and 'very dramatic water slide', is 80 per cent complete and on track to open before the 2025-26 summer.
The entry to the redeveloped venue will feature a nod to the New Norcia Invincibles and its team captain Joseph Nogolgot.
The Invincibles walked over 130 kilometres between 1879 and 1883 from New Norcia to Perth to face the Metropolitan Cricket Club.
They earned 'The Invincibles' after their captivating style of cricket stunned the locals in several matches.
A WACA spokesperson said the statue 'stands as a tribute to those remarkable men and their legacy'.
WACA chief executive John Stephenson says the venue will still have 'cricket at its heart' and it will shine through its new acknowledgment.
Stephenson views the statue, the heavy selection of Indigenous artwork and aquatic centre all part of growing cricket in WA.
'Although we are developing new facilities and a new venue in a sense, it's still got cricket at its heart,' Stephenson said. Aboriginal cricket team, New Norcia, 1879. WA State Library Credit: NewsWire
'We'll still be acknowledging that and the heritage at the WACA ground everywhere, especially in specific areas.
'When you come through the WACA ground for whatever it is; a swim, a workout in the gym, a tour of the museum or the indoor centre for a net, you'll be surrounded by that heritage and there will be a lot of Aboriginal art and decor.
'One thing you'll notice when you come to the redevelopment of the WACA is there will be a bronze statue that acknowledges Aboriginal culture.
'As you go through the WACA redevelopment you'll see it everywhere and I think it's really good, it's something WA really lead on throughout the country.
'It's something we're very proud of … it's Joseph, the legendary Aboriginal cricketer, so he gets the acknowledgment as you walk into the ground.'
Stephenson admits the aquatic centre, a short stone throw from the boundary, is 'certainly a unique proposition' but hopes it plays a role in luring non-cricket people into the sport.
'It looks pretty impressive, a very dramatic water slide, six-lane, outdoor 50 metre pool … it's really exciting to see it come to life.' he said. Cricket and swimming will collide at the upgraded WACA. PICTURES: WACA Credit: NewsWire
'I think it will be a key success to part of the regeneration of this precinct in east Perth and I think the community are going to benefit massively from it.
'We'll be looking to attract a lot of the local community coming into the WACA ground for the first time, they'll use our unique facilities and see cricket going on in the background.
'Hopefully that will pique their interest in cricket and vice versa for those who go to the WACA purely for cricket, they'll hopefully benefit the other way around.'
The New Norcia Invincibles —16 February 1879:
Paul Jater, Paddy Yappo, John Walley, Benedict Cuper, Anthony Nelabut, Aleck Wagnola, Felix Jackamarra, James Egan, John Blurton, Henry Lefroy, Frederick Yrbel, Joseph Nogolgot (Captain).
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