How “Mum Vina” helps bring a community together through cricket

“I’m an active person in my community, and I just want to help the people in it” says Lavina Dynevor. Home to Eddie famous cricketer Gilbert, who in 1931 famously got Bradman out for a duck, Cherbourg local, Lavina helps celebrate his legacy and achievements every single day at The Cherbourg Sports Complex, which she runs.

“My role is to help whenever I can.” That means helping kids from age 5 to 17 drag out the cricket gear after school so they can play the game they are so passionate about. For Lavina and the elders in the community it’s a chance to teach so much more than just sport.

Truth is, Cherbourg is sports mad. It bats, kicks and punches well above its tiny-town weight. In 1962, three of the 10 boxers picked for the Australian Commonwealth Games team hailed from Cherbourg. One of whom was the son of the legend, Eddie Gilbert. Cherbourg’s undisputed hometown hero. The player Sir Donald Bradman called the fastest bowler he ever faced and the only one to bring the Don literally to his knees. His prowess on the pitch still helps to inspire today’s generation to understand their potential and realise their dreams.

There’s a statue of Eddie outside Allan Border Field in Albion, Brisbane, and since 2007 the Eddie Gilbert Medal has recognised Queensland’s best Indigenous sports person. “Cricket helps this community to come together,” says Frank an elder in the community, whose father was curator at the local ground. “Being able to tell Eddie Gilbert’s story helps overcome barriers.”

Eddie Gilbert’s legend inspires the town with the motto: one community, many tribes. Today, Lavina Dynevor is the glue who helps hold it together. “She’s our real hero,” says Cherbourg Council CEO and keen cricketer Chatur Zala. “She is playing a critical role.”

Lavina says her goal at the Cherbourg Sports Complex is “to make it the heart of community, not just with sports but helping others. Even just coming in for a yarn and a cup of tea.”   Unable to have children of her own, “the next best thing was to take up and help community children. I’m ‘mum’ to a lot of people. We’re one big family. I want to share my values and beliefs my mum and dad gave us, and inspire children to rise and be somebody.” And, of course, she loves cricket – and what it can do for people. “Cricket in our community helps the children to be the best that they can be.”

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