The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Museum is a reflection of the Club’s evolution over time – each exhibition depicts significant moments in the Club’s history – a space that is invaluable for existing and new members.
Today marks the official unveiling of a new permanent display in the MCC Museum, documenting the journey of women becoming Members of the Club four decades ago.‘On The Same Terms and Conditions: Women’s Membership of the MCC’ is a review of the long period leading up to Women Members, the conflict of the early 1980s, the key vote that changed the Club’s rules, the experiences of the first female MCC Members and subsequent developments.
The path to bring women formally into the MCC was a long one with advocates both inside and outside the Club.
Chair of the MCC Foundation Sally Macindoe was in attendance to officially open the new exhibition, speaking about the profound effect of these changes to membership - not only from her own perspective as a proud advocate for sport and community - but for so many other women and their family members who longed to feel part of the Club that plays a fundamental role in Australia’s love of sport.
The 40th anniversary of the admittance of women members into the Melbourne Cricket Club will officially be marked on April 1, 2024 in what is one of the most significant events in MCC history during the 20th century.
Some items featured in the display:
- Wristwatch worn by Mrs W. Leo Rush who helped host Victorian Cricket Association events at the MCG
On the back there is an inscription that reads:
Presented by the V.C.A to Mrs. W. Leo. Rush
Hostess Test Matches 1936-37
Including World Record 87,798
The World Record mentioned is the 1936 MCG crowd record: the Day Three attendance for the Boxing Day Test match where Don Bradman helped secure a 3-2 Ashes victory. - Hockey stick used by Danielle Roche as a member of the 1996 Olympic Hockeyroos team
When Danielle Roche and Louise Dobson represented Australia as members of the Hockeyroos squad at the 1996 Olympics they were there as Australians, but also as MCC Members. The Hockeyroos would win the gold in women's hockey, making Roche and Dobson the first MCC Sporting Section members to bring home gold.
On returning to Australia Roche presented her hockey stick to the Club at a dinner honouring their success. - MCC Committee scarf designed and commissioned by Jane Nathan and Toni Burbank.
In advance of scarves there was no MCC apparel for women, so Jane and Toni worked together on a lasting design that they could wear to formal events, such as visiting Lords.
The ‘On The Same Terms and Conditions: Women’s Membership of the MCC’ is now officially open at the MCC Museum, located within the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG.
The Museum is open to all members and their guests who attend MCG event days inside the Members’ Reserve.