MCG celebrates 300-strong volunteer cohort during National Volunteer Week

The Melbourne Cricket Club, manager of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, has thanked its community of over 300 volunteers for their vital contribution to the Club with a special afternoon tea to celebrate National Volunteer Week.

The theme of National Volunteer Week 2024, celebrated from May 20 to 26, is ‘Something for Everyone’.

Through their services across many aspects of the Club, MCC and MCG volunteers are instrumental in providing a special experience for everyone who visits the stadium or participates in Club activities.

Club volunteers work across Australian Sports Museum, MCC Museum, MCC Library, MCG Tours, Special Interest Groups and Sporting Sections and range in age from 18 to 97.


Speaking at the function, MCC President Fred Oldfield paid tribute to the efforts of the volunteers who contribute their time and energy each year.

“As we gather here today at the MCG it is with gratitude and appreciation that we celebrate National Volunteer Week,” Mr Oldfield said.

“This week is testament to the dedication, selflessness and the unwavering commitment of volunteers whose tireless efforts shape communities and enrich lives in countless ways.

“There is a spirit of camaraderie, friendship and sense of belonging in our groups which I think emanates from their devotion to making a difference.

“On behalf of the Club, thank you for your dedication, your passion and your unwavering support. We are very grateful for everything you do.”

Four-time Goal of the Year winner and former Carlton and Adelaide Crows player Eddie Betts was invited to speak at the function and paid tribute to the volunteers who have made an invaluable contribution to his career, from the grassroots level through to the AFL.

“Looking back on it now, and looking back on myself growing up within the communities I now understand what volunteers did to make a football club run,” said Mr Betts.

“Especially in these aboriginal communities, football is what drives these young kids and what brings communities together but that can’t be done without the work of volunteers.

“All I wanted to do was play footy, and I got to the AFL, I just wanted to kick the ball and run around at the MCG and try to kick goals but as you get older you understand the importance the volunteers and what they do within the organisation, the hours that are done and the commitment they put in to that footy club and it’s really what makes a football club tick.”

The Club again pays thanks to its volunteers for their contribution and dedication.