The Mullagh Wills Foundation celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the 1866 Boxing Day match between the MCC and the All Aboriginal Cricket Team followed by the 150th Anniversary of the first Australian Cricket Team to tour England in 2018. The focus for the celebrations was the growth of cricket and football in bringing communities together, illustrated in the roles of Johnny Mullagh and Tom Wills, together with the MCC and rural communities.

AIMS

• To provide an opportunity to bring together communities across Victoria and to recognise the contributions different cultures have made to the Nation through sport.

• To increase community awareness of the contributions made to sport and the community by Johnny Mullagh and Tom Wills.

OBJECTIVES

• Encourage communities to recognise and participate in the 150th Anniversary of the Aboriginal Cricket Team’s:

  • Boxing Day match against the MCC at the MCG in 1866

  • Tour of England in 1868 – the first Australian cricket team to tour overseas

• To develop local heroes and role models to increase participation in sport and a sense of belonging for Aboriginal communities and local Victorian communities.

• To promote the important role sport plays in reconciliation and uniting all cultures.