Two Queensland icons will have their names linked at the home of Queensland Cricket with the launch of a new fundraising initiative announced today at Allan Border Field.
Bernard Fanning, the former front man of legendary Brisbane rock band Powderfinger and renowned cricket tragic, has been the first fan to have his name emblazoned onto a plaque as part of the Queensland Cricket Foundation’s Buy A Picket campaign. Fanning’s name will sit alongside Allan Border, the Queensland great and 156-Test former Australian captain, at QC headquarters in Albion at the field that bears his name.
With the Buy A Picket campaign launching today, cricket fans of all forms will have the unique opportunity to own their own slice of cricketing history by having their names emblazoned onto a picket at the redeveloped Allan Border Field in Brisbane, with funds raised through the campaign supporting the great work of the Queensland Cricket Foundation.
Fanning said: “I’m very pleased to be able to contribute to the QCF’s initiative to honour past players and raise crucial funds for the development of cricket in indigenous, women’s and disadvantaged youth spaces.
“Allan Border remains one of my heroes as a man of great skill, resilience, courage and humility,” he said.
Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said all proceeds raised through picket sales would support the QC Foundation’s purpose to invest in initiatives that create positive differences in Queensland communities.
“Allan Border Field has become an iconic part of this state’s sporting landscape and we look forward to how it will continue to create memories,” he said.
“The opportunity to have your name permanently linked to a venue that is the hub of Queensland Cricket is a special one. But it also supports a wonderful cause.
“By purchasing an engraved plaque on a picket, you will be supporting the Queensland Cricket Foundation, which aims to give everyone in this state the opportunity to participate in Australia’s national game while enhancing the experiences of existing participants, volunteers and fans,” he said.
Fans can choose from three tiers including the top-level option that will place a name alongside one of 20 Queensland cricket legends.
With Border already sold to fellow Queensland royalty, fans will have the opportunity to have their names placed above members of the state’s elite players including Ian Healy, Greg Chappell, Jeff Thomson, Beth Mooney, Jess Jonassen, Bill Brown, Andrew Symonds, and Usman Khawaja.
Fans can access the following tiers:
• Your name, club or business engraved into a picket
• Your name alongside a current or former Queensland or Brisbane Heat player
• Your name alongside one of 20 selected Queensland cricket legends
Allan Border Field was recently re-opened following a renovation that lasted more than one year as part of the National Cricket Campus.
The revamped precinct features new lighting, improved drainage, terrace seating, an electric scoreboard upgrade and five new training pitches.
David Conry AM, chair of the Queensland Cricket Foundation, said the Buy A Picket initiative was an exciting way to support the game’s growth throughout the state.
“The foundation is dedicated to giving all Queenslanders, regardless of age, gender, ability or background, the chance to participate in cricket. In the process, we want to make a positive difference in communities throughout this state,” he said.
“Allan Border Field is on the verge of an exciting future hosting top-level games and training. This is a great opportunity to have your name front and centre at the venue, while also supporting Indigenous health and wellbeing, female and multicultural participation, opportunities for disadvantaged youth, and building new infrastructure and facilities.
“Through the Queensland Cricket Foundation, we want to ensure cricket is a game that all have the opportunity to play and enjoy.”
The first game at the redeveloped Allan Border Field is set to be played in September.