The Surf Coast Stingrays – once known as Aireys Inlet Cricket Club – rose from the ashes of some of the worst bushfires in Victoria’s history.
More than three decades later, newly-elected president Josh Carey speaks to Luke Voogt about his plans for the ‘Stingers’.
Tell us about you…
I’m 30-years-old and I live in Torquay with my partner Emma and our cat Rosie.
We moved back to Torquay a few years ago from Ballarat.
I’m a landscaper by trade and love keeping active. I used to play all the sports when I was younger, now I just play cricket, run, box and hit the gym.
Tell us about Surf Coast Cricket Club…
The club started life as Aireys Inlet Cricket Club back in the ’80s in the wake of the Ash Wednesday bushfires.
Unfortunately, AICC never had a home ground, managing to play games at Anglesea, Lorne, Deans Marsh and Modewarre’s ovals whilst training on a concrete slab out the back of the Aireys pub.
After fading into obscurity for a while, they re-grouped and managed to find their way to Banyul-Warri Fields.
Since then the club has grown from one team to three in just a few years. In the near future we aim to start a junior program and field a women’s team too.
This may sound silly, but I love the club because of how relaxed it is.
Some people get a bit too serious and competitive – don’t get me wrong, we love to win – but we don’t take it too seriously. We just bloody enjoy it.
How did you join the club?
Well, you know how some of the greatest ideas are formed around a fire with a beer in-hand? This decision was one of those.
At good mate Tim Eden’s house for a party, a few of the boys told me I should join. I had been thinking about playing again already, so the decision was easy.
My fondest memory so far would be a win over Highton in the paddock at Mt Duneed, where Ben Hayes and myself managed to stabilise a collapse to pull together a much-needed win.
How’s the future looking?
Get your sunglasses out, the future at Surf Coast CC is bright!
First on the list is to get nets built at the Banyul-Warri Fields.
From there we’ll look to expand our senior teams and get some ripping functions organised for the boys and their families and friends.
What are your favourite things to do locally?
Lately, I’ve been very food and beer oriented with my out-of-work activities.
The Kiosk in Torquay for coffee and a jaffle is a weekly treat, as well as Bells Brewery for a Friday beer or two. Che Vuoi in Barwon Heads is amazing also.
How are you coping with COVID-19?
I’ve been fairly fortunate with it to be honest.
Work hasn’t really stopped and I’ve still been able to work out at home and with my good mate and PT Jimmy Downey when possible. That’s kept me pretty happy and sane.
What’s something about you that people might not know?
I’m terrified of heights and rollercoasters – to the point where the Scooby Doo ride at Movie World scared me that silly that Em happily went on the rest of the rollercoasters by herself!
Details: facebook.com/SurfcoastAICC
