The 2017 Towards Zero Willowfest Australian Cricket Championships promises to be the best year ever as the iconic sporting event prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Teams from Australia and around the world will once again make Mildura and Wentworth their home away from home, as they enjoy first-class facilities while playing for the largest prize purse offered by any event of this type in Australia.
The Willowfest strategy aims to align with those of both Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia, which targets the key male and female demographic of 18-to-25 years.
Willowfest will continue to develop its successful relationship with the Transport Accident Commission in 2017, by further highlighting the TAC Pit Stop and SES Driver Reviver initiatives.
TAC road safety manager Samantha Buckis said continuing the partnership with Willowfest enabled the TAC to engage with people who travel to and play in the tournament, as well as families and supporters.
“It’s important we keep finding ways to engage with people about road safety, and continuing this partnership with Willowfest allows us to start conversations with players and their families on what they can do to be safe on the roads.”
“With fatigue being one of the leading causes of road fatalities, and young drivers among the most likely to be hurt on Victoria roads, it’s great to be able to highlight the importance of the TAC and SES rest stop initiatives,” Ms Buckis said.
There will also be a strong focus on promoting the 40 km/h speed limit around schools, along with the integration of a junior “Willowfest Whack” and Fast Bowling Competition.
Mildura Rural City Council Mayor Cr Glenn Milne said he was pleased to see the TAC return as Willowfest naming rights sponsor, and provide the opportunity to talk to the community about road safety.
“I urge all motorists to be aware of the new 40km speed zones around emergency services vehicles and when travelling to and from our region, because no one deserves to die or be seriously injured on our roads”, Milne said.
Member for Mildura, Peter Crisp also welcomed the TAC’s continued support of Willowfest and backed its Towards Zero vision of a future where no one dies or is seriously injured on Victorian roads.
“Sporting events provide a platform to spread key messages and no message is more important than road safety”, Crisp said.
Following on from the excitement generated by the visiting Cricket Council of India squad last year, Willowfest President Anthony Telfer said he is hopeful that another team from the sub-continent will be on hand to help celebrate the carnival’s 40th anniversary.
Telfer said he has also been in communication with teams from the United Arab Emirates, the USA, Canada, & New Zealand.
Wentworth Shire Mayor, Cr Melisa Hederics, has welcomed the news that last year’s event has generated significant interest from other international teams.
“Willowfest has become one of the key events on the region’s sporting calendar. The opportunities for the Sunraysia that Willowfest brings cannot be underestimated. We are all looking forward to what looks like being the best Willowfest yet”, Mayor Hederics said.
The 2017 Towards Zero Willowfest Australian Cricket Championships commence on Wednesday December 27 and conclude on Saturday December 30.
For further details, contact Anthony Telfer by phoning 0419 359 618, or, email admin@willowfest.com.au
