Queensland indigenous cricket player Giselle Parmenter breaking down barriers on and off the field

The lure of cricket lies in its ability to unite people for Giselle Parmenter who seeks it as a release from a life spent trying to do the same outside of the sport. The Gold Coast resident will represent Queensland at the National indigenous Cricket Championships grand final today.

THE lure of cricket lies in its ability to unite people for Giselle Parmenter who seeks it as a release from a life spent trying to do the same outside of the sport.

The Tallebudgera resident and Gold Coast Dolphins cricket player is currently in Alice Springs representing Queensland at the National indigenous Cricket Championships.

Queensland will play NSW in the grand final today after moving through the previous rounds undefeated.

Cricket has a strong history in the all-rounder’s family, with her father previously representing NSW at the tournament.

Parmenter’s talent on the field are varse but the work she has done off it is even greater.

Giselle Parmenter of Queensland poses for portraits during the National Indigenous Cricket Championships at Simpsons Gap on January 31, 2020 in Alice Springs, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

The 20-year-old will graduate from her law degree next week, mentors indigenous high school students, was awarded the 2019 Queensland First Nations Legal Student of the year for her work within the community and legal landscape, was a guest speaker at the Allens Reconciliation Action Plan launch and has been working as an ethics clerk at the Queensland Law Society for the past nine months.

Parmenter said she was lured into lure in the hope of giving a voice to indigenous people who have found themselves on the wrong side of it or been marginalised by it.

“We are in a position where there are so many more opportunities for us to have a voice in the education and law space, particularly in law because for so long we have been on the other end of it,” Parmenter said.

Giselle Parmenter of Queensland bats during the National Indigenous Cricket Championships match between Queensland and Western Australia at Albrecht Oval on January 31, 2020 in Alice Springs, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

“More so we are the ones often in trouble or our voices are marginalised.

“Being in a position where I’m able to have a voice for everyone and give back to the community is empowering.

“If you’re going to be a leader and a mentor for people you need to be able to reach one hand back and pull everyone back up with you as well.”

Parmenter said her representation of Queensland always provided some scope for banter with her father who inspired her to take up the game.

“It’s always been something I have enjoyed.

“It’s a great way of stepping away from everything else. I put a lot of effort into work and university and the engagement I do with community and different organisations.

“It’s nice to come and play cricket and have that time where you just focus on the game.

“Everyone comes together and we are united by the sport. It’s a good release.”