Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins hits back at criticism of his humanitarian focus as he reveals latest work in remote Indigenous communities: ‘some things are too important to worry about how people feel’
- Pat Cummins recently spent time in the Northern Territory
- Visit to the remote indigenous community of Borroloola
- The experience was eye-opening for the Australian cricket captain
- Is known for its humanitarian work, Ashes begins June 16
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has a direct message to those who continue to criticize his humanitarian work – enquire.
With the Ashes beginning on June 16, the 30-year-old is desperate to hoist the urn in England, but his passion when not wearing his whites is the definition of noble.
Cummins recently spent time at Borroloola in the Northern Territory, and while the experience would have been difficult for many, the man who netted 214 Test wickets was in his element.
The remote indigenous community faces many challenges – unemployment sits at 50% and 66% of its children are classified as vulnerable.
UNICEF, famous for protecting children in disaster areas around the world, has established Australian operations in Borroloola and Indigenous footballer John Moriarty has also set up his own foundation.
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has a message to those who continue to criticize his humanitarian work – find out
Cummins recently spent time in Borroloola in the Northern Territory, where life is very different from that in the capital.
The locally run Indi Kindi continues to thrive, but other obstacles remain, including Borroloola’s geographic isolation.
It’s a two and a half hour light plane flight or a 12 hour drive from Darwin or a 14 hour drive from Alice Springs, making life’s necessities hard to come by.
Thanks to the UNICEF program and Indi Kindi de Moriarty, in place since 2012, the children in the neighborhood have daily access to hot meals and basic health care.
But as Cummins now knows, much more can be done.
Sport is an obvious passion for young people – and can also open the doors to the “big smoke”.
Shadeene Evans, a proud child of Borroloola, has played in the W-League with Sydney FC and Adelaide United in recent years.
Cummins ultimately felt it was his duty as a fellow Australian to lend a hand in the Northern Territory.
“That’s why programs like this and the incredible work that UNICEF and the Moriarty Foundation are doing are so important,” he said. News Corp.
He is also backing a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum on an Aboriginal voice in Parliament – and will continue to speak out on issues other than cricket, despite his critics.
Cummins will soon fly to England ahead of the Ashes first test on June 16 at Edgbaston
“I think some things are too important to worry about how people feel,” he said.
“Being in a position where I can help, well, that’s way more important than getting criticized from time to time by people who don’t want to help.”
“There’s so much good being done by different people and organizations and great stories inside of it, that if I can help, and if people have a problem, well, who cares, really ?
In October last year, Cummins was criticized for his hypocritical “ethical objections” to Cricket Australia’s main sponsor, Alinta Energy.
He reportedly approached CEO Nick Hockley and raised personal concerns about Alinta Energy’s climate impact ahead of their contract renewal.
Cummins’ conduct clearly slips under the skin of some cricket supporters given that the passionate climate activist has featured in several previous advertisements for Alinta.
He was also seen flying first class and driving a Range Rover SUV, both of which are known chronic pollution emitters.
The first Ashes Test against England will take place in Edgbaston on June 16.
