Cricket star gives back to TAFE

Kangan Institute’s student Alumni includes many successful individuals who have made big names for themselves. Distinguished Australian cricketer Jess Cameron is one and the 27-year-old is currently a coach for Kangan Institute’s Cricket Academy alongside ex-cricketer Doug Bott and Cricket Victoria’s Aaron Wharton.  

As one of the country’s top female sport icons today, Jess has represented both Australia and Victoria on the field and was part of the winning team for the International Cricket Council’s 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Twenty20 series as well as the 2013 Women’s World Cup.

Jess has been a recipient of the 2013 Belinda Clark Award – a title awarded to Australia’s top female international cricketer of the year. She currently plays for Melbourne Star and recently joined the Collingwood Magpies in the inaugural AFL Women’s competition.

In addition to her dominance in the sporting arena, Jess is also a qualified spare parts interpreter as a result of her training at Kangan Institute.  

A little known fact, Jess says “I needed a part-time job and I decided to do a spare parts interpreter apprenticeship through Kangan Institute.”

“I thought the course was great. I wasn’t able to spend much time at TAFE due to my cricket commitments but my teachers helped me to stay on top of my studies and I was able to complete my course.”

Jess worked at the Werribee Automotive Group until June last year before deciding it was time to focus on her athletic pursuits.

It was perhaps fate that the chance arose to train Kangan Institute’s Cricket Academy students this year.   

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to give back to the TAFE that has helped me so much. I’ve enjoyed helping students learn more about the game and see them develop in areas they hadn’t had a chance to,” she said.

Jess is excited to have the opportunity to promote cricket within the TAFE that played a part in supporting her sporting dreams and it comes at the perfect time as Jess enters a new stage in her career.

“From here on I’ll be focusing on being an athlete and playing cricket for as long as I can.”

About the Kangan Institute Cricket Academy

Launched in January 2017, the Kangan Institute Cricket Academy aimed to boost student health and wellbeing by engaging students in a cricket tournament modelled against the Australian Big Bash League.

The Academy attracted a diverse mix of students, including international and work education students across Kangan Institute’s campuses.

Aaron Wharton, coach and community engagement coordinator at Cricket Victoria, says the Cricket Academy was an avenue to introduce cricket to new people and make it a part of TAFE life.

“We’re ecstatic to have worked with Kangan Institute,” he said.

“The Cricket Academy was a way for students to gain skills in cricket and make new friends. We’ve brought together a diverse group of students and regardless of ethnicity, background or abilities they’ve been able to learn together and form great friendships.” 

Training sessions for the Cricket Academy are over for the year but students will have an opportunity to participate in Cricket Victoria’s University/TAFE Cup Cricket Competition in late 2017.