Few clubs can say they have had more impact on a community than Sunshine Heights Cricket Club.
The Heights have ticked every box in terms of what a local cricket club can hope to achieve, with on-field success going hand in hand with off-field enjoyment through their 60-year history.
But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. In the mid ’90s, the Heights were faced with dwindling playing stocks and minimal off-field support.
Then-president and now-committee member Nick Hatzoglou knew a change needed to be made to ensure the club’s long-term survival.
Sunshine Heights, located in the heart of the western suburbs’ growing multicultural population, opened its doors to the diverse community around it.
“When the club first formed it was pretty Anglo, but as time went by a lot of migrants came to the area and those founding fathers and early committee people embraced them,” Hatzoglou explained.
“They taught them the game of cricket, made it accessible and embraced everybody. Those values have been reinforced in different periods.
“We always want to include people in the community, making everyone feel welcome and having a really strong social element and philosophy of inclusion.”
As Sunshine Heights prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, that original change of mindset is why the Victorian Turf Cricket Association club is a community leader and has players from 28 nationalities in its senior and junior teams.
The Heights have won 20 senior premierships in their history as well as 15 junior flags.
While admitting he enjoys winning premierships, Hatzoglou says it’s just one aspect the club prides itself on.
“Premiership wins are outstanding,” he said.
“Last season we won the A and the B Turf, which we also did in 1990. But another highlight is the terrific rapport we have always had with opposition clubs and the friendships that have been made.”
Sunshine Heights also boasts an achievement most local clubs can only dream of, with one of their own making it to the ultimate level.
Former Sunshine Heights junior Colin Miller started his cricket career at the club before climbing all the way to the Australian team and playing 18 Tests as an off-spinner or seamer.
“To see Colin pull on the Baggy Green was a huge highlight,” Hatzoglou said.
“It was a great moment for his family as well. His father, Ralph, and his brothers are life members and have contributed heavily.”
The Sunshine Heights committee is already planning the next phase of the club’s history.
The goals include further strengthening the Heights’ junior base and introducing multiple women’s cricket teams into the local competition.
But that will come after the official 60th anniversary celebrations, with the club taking a night off this Wednesday to celebrate.
“Everyone understands it’s a pretty special occasion for the club and we’ll try to acknowledge all the different aspects that have brought us this far,” Hatzoglou said.
“We’ve been in touch with a lot of past players, members, committee people and volunteers and we have had a terrific response.
“We’re expecting it to be an outstanding evening.”
