The Margaret River Hawks Cricket Club has launched an innovative new program aimed at attracting new players to the team, while solving a couple of the issues currently affecting the region.
This week the Hawks placed a call for cricketers outside the region to apply to move to Margaret River, with help from the club.
"This year we don't have our imports from overseas that we usually have come to play and live in the region for the season," explained the Hawks' Michael Earl.
"Obviously with border closures limiting travel it's impossible for us to have those players come from places like Sri Lanka and the UK, so we're looking a bit closer to home."
The Hawks are offering people in regions outside of Margaret River, including the Perth Metro area, assistance with employment, housing and a welcome into the community for "reasonably skilled" players.
"They don't need to be super experienced cricketers, it's about being part of the club and contributing as well," said Mr Earl.
"But we're ideally looking for people with some playing experience within a club who are looking for a bit of a longer term lifestyle change as well."
The club has partnered with local businesses to offer employment opportunities for mechanics, electricians, auto-electricians, HC truck drivers and those with hospitality or sporting and recreation backgrounds.
"One of the problems businesses in this region are having is finding staff, and we know that there's a housing shortage so it's not as simple as just offering people a job from Perth and having them move down," Mr Earl said.
"People from outside the area are also hesitant because it's a bit daunting moving to a new place without any plans ahead of you.
"We're also reaching out to other local businesses who have employment opportunities to let us know so we can include them when we're talking to potential players."
Mr Earl said there was no criteria set for player ages or family situations, and that the club simply wanted to hear from those serious about the idea of living and working - and playing cricket - in the region.
"What we want to do is talk to people and if it's a situation we can assist with, we think it's a great way to continue building the club and supporting those local businesses in town who really need workers."
Find out more
Those interested in making the move and joining the Margaret River Hawks should contact Michael Earl on 0420 576 029 or mrhcc@hotmail.com
Catch the Hawks at www.facebook.com/margaretriverhawkscricketclub