Gallery: Rockhampton Cricket Country Carnival attracts 35 men’s, women’s teams

Thirty-five men’s and women’s teams are taking part in the annual event over the Australia Day weekend. See if you appear in our bumper gallery.

Faces of Rockhampton Cricket's Country Carnival on January 27, 2025.

Cricket lovers from as far afield as New South Wales are making the pilgrimage to Rockhampton for the annual Country Carnival this weekend.

The decades-long tradition continues, with 35 men’s and women’s teams taking part in the three-day event over the Australia Day weekend.

In photos: Day one action at Rockhampton Cricket’s Country Carnival

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They will play in nine grades at four locations - the Rockhampton Cricket Grounds, Kalka Shades, Juds Park and Gracemere Cricket Club.

Those in first grade turf - who are competing for a $500 winner’s cheque - play 40-over matches, while the remaining turf and concrete grades play a 25-over format.

Carnival convenor Carrie Bennet said the carnival served a different purpose for different teams.

Some came for the cash and bragging rights, others for fun and to rekindle friendships.

For the Bidgood XI it serves as a family reunion. For the Poddy’s XI, which is built around the McDonald clan, it’s a way to remember their beloved family patriarch, Poddy McDonald.

In photos: 35 teams in action at Rocky Cricket’s Country Carnival

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Bennet said whatever the reason players continued coming to the event, the enjoyment of cricket was at the heart of it.

“Everyone has a backstory as to how they started playing and it’s so great to listen to people reminisce about years gone by,” she said.

See the photos from last year’s carnival

“The event is so great for Rockhampton Cricket but also the surrounding region, especially when it comes to the local economy.

“With so many teams and families travelling into town, it brings money into the region.

“The players stay at many local venues and then go out to celebrate their day’s effort at local pubs and clubs.”

Bennet said the carnival also exposed players of all skill levels to the game of cricket and demonstrated that anyone could give it a go.

There are three teams fewer this year than last, which Bennet said could be due to the public holiday being on the Monday rather than the Friday.

She said regardless of numbers, everyone was sure to have a great time.

The competition is run as a round robin, with teams playing each other once in each of the divisions.

Play starts at 9am on Saturday and Sunday and 8am on Monday.

Bennet acknowledged the Rockhampton Cricket board, volunteers, sponsors and everyone else involved in making the carnival happen year in, year out.

“There’s a lot of work that goes in behind the scenes such as preparing fields, running canteens, and organising teams and the competition itself,” she said.

“Without all the help and support, this carnival would not exist and I’m extremely grateful for it.”