Boxing Day Breakfast
returns to The MCG with distinguished guest
Glenn McGrath
Australian Cricket Legend
ICC Cricket Hall of Fame (2013)
Australia's most successful pace bowler
in Test and ODI cricket:
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124 Tests - 563 wickets @ 21.64,
250 ODIs - 381 victims @ 22.02.
Glenn remains a major presence in the cricket world
with his tireless fundraising work and for the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai.
Celebrate the Opening of the 2022 Boxing Day Test vs South Africa with Taverners Victoria.
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Date: Monday 26th December, 2022
MC: Ron Steiner
Entertaiment by: Greg Champion
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At the MCG - Yarra Park Room
Level 3 of the Olympic Stand, (enter via Gate 3).
NOTE: To gain entry to the MCG you will need a
match ticket for Day 1 of the Test (from Ticketek)
or your current MCC Members card.
Bookings Do Not include ground entry for the match.
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Arrive at 7.15am for a 7.30am start.
The event concludes at 10.00am
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Enjoy a scrumptious, hot breakfast
complemented with juices, tea and coffee,
to set you up for the start of play.
We have a very exciting Charity Partnership announcement
regarding our funding objectives.
And we welcome back the timeless
Greg Champion
Entertainer/Comedian, to bowl us over with his witty ditties
with a South African twist.
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Tickets: Taverners Members - $95
Guests - $110
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Bookings Close 19 December, 2022
Enquiries: contact Saktti Breen at
[email protected]
Celebrating a Life Membership for Kevin Johnson at the 2022 Legends Night.
24/10/22
For nigh on twenty years, Kevin has volunteered on the Taverners Victoria Committee organising events and selling copious quantities of wine for Taverners causes. As a very accomplished cricketer, VFA footballer and sports administrator in the Frankston Peninsula region, Kevin's passion for sport is a natural fit with Taverners and the Frankston Wranglers Charity. Outside of his community work Kevin rose to the top in industry to become the Australian CEO of a multinational company listed on the NYSE and after retiring, President of the very same Menzies Home for Boys, sixty years after becoming a resident there.
A truly inspirational Taverner, congratulations Johno.
Taverners Victoria release their 2021 Heathcote SHIRAZ.
The 2020 vintage is now SOLD OUT!
Wednesday 05 October, 2022.
Complete your details in the interactive fields then Save the file or Print out the Form and fill it in by hand.
Email or post your completed Order Form directly to the Wine maker.
Delivery should be made within 4 to 7 days.
Heathcote Winery
[email protected]
PO Box 142, Heathcote VIC, 3523
T: (03) 5433 2595
Taverners Australia Floods Appeal
In particular, ground and pavilion refurbishment will be required, equipment repair and replacement and a supply of cricket equipment destroyed in the floods. Support is being directed towards clubs and individuals across these regions to assist them in rebuilding and recovering. Recovery from the floods will be an ongoing process.
A Taverners Australia Gofundme page has been set up which provides details of the devastation experienced in Lismore NSW, by Taverners NNSW Chair, Joanne Cooper. To learn more and show your support, click on the DONATE NOW button below. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Cricket Australia have also published an announcement on 5 July, 2022 about the outstanding support Taverners members have provided to date in Queensland and Northern NSW. Click Here to read this announcement.
Meet Aaron "Hollywood" Heathwood
A wonderful ‘ID’ cricket story from Perth, WA.
With David Hayden - Taverners Victoria.
Monday 6 June, 2022.
Aaron, along with some older boys of similar ability, spent the next four seasons training with the mainstream Swan Athletics, Un17s Boys team. However, being older, they were ineligible to play in that age division.
In 2016, Aaron joined the WACA Inclusions Academy. Under coaches Greg Turner (Outdoor) and Justin Shaw (Indoor), Aaron worked hard on his game. Aaron recalls, “The Inclusions IDs from the WACA ... we had to follow instructions and our boys train harder, get fitter... you have to do the right thing.”
Aaron made the WACA Lord’s Taverners Shield team in that first year and travelled to Melbourne for the Indoor Cricket National Championships. His WACA mates nick-named him “Hollywood” because he “loves to perform in front of cameras”, according to Angelo.
“Well, I just got it at indoors and outdoors" Aaron said. “I had friends there always calling me ‘Hollywood’... I am loving it!” There is no better example than Aaron’s loveable picture (above) which features on our Taverners Victoria, Heathcote Shiraz wine label and on our website.
Next season in 2017/18, Aaron debuted for WA in the National Cricket Inclusion Championships and played in the following two NCICs, until COVID-19 disrupted the tournament in '20/21 and '21/22. WA made the Semi-Finals in 2018/19 with a win over Queensland, but lost finishing third.
Last summer, Aaron played club cricket for the first time with North Perth CC. It was their inaugural season in the Perth Integrated Cricket League and the team went on to win their first title.
When I asked if he would try out for the NCIC in Brisbane next January, Aaron said,
“I’m going to say yes ... I want to come back next year, I’m happy for that.
I want to play and see how it goes.”
Aaron finished with a positive message for all NCIC supporters.
“Go well, and thanks so much heaps, for all the people who come down watching my guys play. My guys have done well.
I’ll have to work on it, next year in Brisbane ... come see us and I’ll sign autographs!
Aaron genuinely loves his cricket, the challenges, rewards, the mateship and travel opportunities to play across the country. We wish him all the best for his cricket future, wherever that may be, well played Aaron.
Heathcote Shiraz "drinks" Wine Fundraiser
*Help players like Aaron across our Blind, Deaf and ID communities, participate in the NCIC and other cricket programs, by purchasing a case of delicious, Taverners Victoria, Heathcote Shiraz.
See the details below:
Taverners Victoria launches it's 2022 Winter Wine Promotion
Monday 16 May, 2022.
Complete your details in the interactive fields then Save the file or Print out the Form and fill it in by hand.
Email or post your completed Order Form directly to the Wine maker.
Delivery should be made within 4 to 7 days.
Heathcote Winery
[email protected]
PO Box 142, Heathcote VIC, 3523
T: (03) 5433 2595
Tony Dodemaide appointed to the National Men's Cricket Team selection panel
Monday 18 October, 2021.
Tony will join Chief Selector, George Bailey and Head Coach Justin Langer from mid- November this year to fill the missing third spot. This signals a return to the Cricket fraternity after a three year stint as General Manager of Hockey One. Hohns retired in July this year after 15 years as Chief Selector.
Leading into the 2021/22 Ashes series Tony Dodemaide stated, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a contribution not only in the immediate tournaments and series but also to help chart the medium to longer term course of the Australian men’s teams,”
Fellow past Australian teammate Merv Hughes tweeted: “What a fantastic appointment … could not find a better person for the job – congratulations and good luck.”
Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of High Performance and National Teams stated that “Tony led a field of very strong candidates and we are thrilled to have him join the NSP at an important and exciting period for the Australian men’s team.”
“Dodders” played 10 Tests and 24 ODIs for Australia, debuting in 1987 with 6/58 and a half-century in the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand. He also played 93 Sheffield Shield games for Victoria.
Post retirement as a player, Tony’s cricket administrative career has been outstanding. He was Head of Cricket at the Marylebone CC from 1999 for five years during the formative years of T20 Cricket in the UK. Tony returned to Australia as CEO of WACA and then took up the head role at Cricket Victoria where he set up the BBL and the development of The Junction Oval.
From a Taverners perspective, Tony becomes the third Victorian Taverner to become a national selector for the Australian cricket team behind Jim Higgs and Merv Hughes.
He also made an impressive playing return for us against the ACS Wandering XI in February this year with a 40* and 3 wickets.
We at Taverners wish Tony all the very best in his exciting new role.
The Melbourne Deaf cricket mum expanding female inclusion
Taverners Victoria are proud to support Melbourne Deaf CC and the NCIC.
Based on “What about deaf women? How one mum changed cricket” by Adam Burnett, for cricket.com.au - 23 Sept. 2021.
Melissa actually hated cricket back in the early 2000s, but agreed to fill in as secretary at MDCC. Her initial stint at the club revealed a tight knit community. However, it was very much a “boys club” she proclaims, with no opportunity for women or girls.
She left after one year but was encouraged to return in 2005 by a friend and new Club President, James Hale. Together, with James’ vision, MDCC has become “a cricket club for everyone; men, women and – most importantly – families”, Melissa says.
Born with hearing loss, Melissa was raised in a mainstream school environment. "I had no connection with other deaf people my whole childhood," she recalls. She felt like she did not belong at school.
At 17, Melissa had a Cochlear implant to make use of the little hearing she had left. Soon after, she attended the National Deaf Basketball Championships in Adelaide. It was her first encounter with the Deaf community and with sport.
Melissa said, "That weekend changed my life. I met so many people who were just like me... and they treated me with so much love and kindness.”
By 2006 Melissa was the personal assistant to the CEO of the Victorian Deaf Society and had acquired Auslan skills. She felt empowered to make positive change in the deaf community. This has been achieved with James at MDCC. The two are now married, with a blended family of 4 hearing kids, all who play at MDCC. Melissa plays cricket in the same team as her 12-year-old daughter Charli.
Beyond local cricket Melissa was concerned there were no Women’s teams at Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC), nor any National Women’s teams like there are for Men’s Blind, Deaf and ID cricket.
At a planning meeting for the 2020 NCIC, Melissa spoke out and said, “Well, what about deaf women?”
The reply was — find two deaf women’s teams for an exhibition match at the opening ceremony. Within 48 hours Melissa had a Victorian team and an All Stars team signed up. The match was named The Melissa Hale Cup and it was a major talking point at the NCIC.
Melissa’s focus was not the skill level but on three key values: “empowerment, sisterhood/brotherhood/power of community and having fun.” These values stem from her philosophy in life.
She says, “There’s not much that can’t be resolved without genuine inclusion, kindness and recognising the power of belonging to something.”
Melissa is now Head of Deaf Women’s Cricket, for Deaf Cricket Australia. She oversees that the women’s NCIC programs are keeping pace with their male counterparts. This is the initial step in what will be a long and challenging road. But if we get this right, Melissa is confident we will have a thriving National competition in the future.
Congratulations Dylan Alcott - Golden SLAM
Dylan said during the trophy ceremony "I just can't believe I've just won the Golden Slam. I used to hate myself so much. I hated my disability. I didn't even want to be here anymore and I found tennis and it changed and saved my life.”
Dylan is an exceptional individual sportsman and role model for all people living with a disability. A the age of 30, Dylan is an OAM, a motivational speaker and also a champion Australian Wheelchair Basketballer.
Taverners are proud to have supported Dylan in the early days of his Wheelchair Tennis career and delighted for our 15-time major singles tennis champion.
Big News: Merv Hughes inducted into Cricket Australia Hall of Fame
It is with great delight we report Taverners Victoria Legend and Hon. Vice President, Mervyn Hughes was elevated into the Cricket Australia Hall of Fame on 2 February, 2021. Merv becomes the 56th cricketer to join this elite group.
One of the great fast bowlers and characters of Australian cricket, loved for his fierce tenacity, bristling moustache and on-field antics, Merv’s career spanned from 1985-94, including 53 Tests and 212 Test wickets at 28.38 apiece.
In 1988, Merv produced his career best figures of 8-87 vs the West Indies in Perth, in the first innings. He snared the last 2 wickets with consecutive balls. With the loss of Geoff Lawson to a broken jaw in that game, Merv completed a famous Hat-Trick with his first ball in the 2nd innings, reflecting the strength and determination of the man. Merv claimed 13 wickets in all for the match.
After helping Australia retain the Ashes in the UK with 31 wickets in 1993, at the pinnacle of his career, Hughes was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year the following year. He had amassed 176 Test wickets over a 4 year span, more than any other international bowler during the same period.
Over 14 first class seasons Mervyn Gregory Hughes also represented Victoria, Essex and the ACT and played 33 ODIs for his country. He became a selector for the Australian cricket ream in 2005 through to 2010. His continued involvement in the game is well known.
Many fine accolades were stated at Merv’s induction to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. These highlights appear on the Cricket Victoria website are well worth reading:
“Hughes’ influence on the game goes beyond showmanship – he was a cricketer and a character that drew people to cricket and made them love the sport. And underneath it all, he is a deep-thinker of the game who continues to be a mentor to future generations.”
Earl Eddings, Cricket Australia Chair, said:
“Merv Hughes is an Australian sporting legend who was one of the greatest bowlers to have played our national game”.
Greg Dyer, former teammate and Australian Cricketers’ Association Chair, said:
“A thoroughly deserved accolade for one of the most wholehearted cricketers of the 1980’s and 90’s. A fine fast bowler – quick and nasty in the best traditions of the breed.”
Congratulations Merv, very well deserved.
Taverners Australia Wine Offer - SOLD OUT
$50 from each Dozen sold went towards funding the inspiring participants in the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association.
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN DOZENS ONLY
This full bodied 2014 McLaren Vale Shiraz, exclusively produced for Taverners Australia by Geoff Merrill Wines, is warm and inviting with aromas of spice, earth, leather, black olive, savoury meats and chocolate. Displaying ripe red berries with a rich peppery fruit over a firm underlying structure with great length.
$370.00 RRP
$228.00
You save $142.00 per Doz.
Order online at Geoff Merrill Wines
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1. At Checkout Options select Guest Checkout, enter your email address.
2. At Shipping Options select Item Pickup.
3. At Invoice Notes/Comments enter VICTORIAN TAVERNERS
4. For Shipping Options select Pickup Item to confirm your Free Delivery to your address provided.
5. Then Place your Order with your payment details.
Alternatively, click the link Download the Order Form
Fill out the form and send directly to Geoff Merrill Wines.
Thanks for your support and enjoy the wine!
Cricket Australia's Partner Organisation of the Year
Acting National Chairman, John Jeffries was in attendance to accept the award on behalf of members all over Australia.
https://www.icc-cricket.com/video/339819