Bisinella Developments has stood behind Lara Cricket Club for nearly 20 years, in a partnership dedicated to supporting one of Geelong's most active community sporting clubs into its next chapter.
The club marked its 150th anniversary last year, celebrating more than a centenary of growth which has resulted in the Lara Cats fielding six senior men's teams, two senior women's teams, ten junior mixed sides.
The club also runs the Woolworths Cricket Blast program for children aged five to nine, and an All-Abilities Cricket program to grow participation for players aged 5 to 15.
For Lara Cricket Club Chairperson John Speirs, that growth is closely tied to the stability provided by a long-term partner like Bisinella.
"Having long-term sponsors such as Bisinella Developments provides Lara Cricket Club with stability and confidence to continue investing in our members and the future of the club," Mr Speirs said.
"This support helps us keep registration costs at an affordable level, maintain and update training equipment and provide quality cricket balls and equipment for our teams.
“These investments help make cricket accessible and encourage more juniors and seniors to participate in the game."
The recent 2025/26 cricket season underlined that growth, with the club's 3rd XI finishing as competition runners-up and three junior sides securing premierships.
Lara was also entrusted by the Geelong Cricket Association to host the One-Day competition finals, which Mr Speirs said was recognition of the strength the club has built.
"Being entrusted to host the GCA One-Day finals was great recognition of the strength and professionalism of Lara Cricket Club," he said.
"Our excellent facilities and quality playing grounds, together with the expertise of our ground curator, John 'Checker' Hughes, provide a strong foundation for hosting finals and major cricket events."
Rather than funding a single project, Bisinella's sponsorship is pooled into the club's broader needs such as equipment, coaching and player development.
The Bisinella name has also featured on Lara's playing shirts throughout the partnership, which Mr Speirs said reflects how seriously the club takes recognising its major sponsors.
Bisinella Developments Managing Director Richard Bisinella said the partnership reflects a broader commitment to investing in the organisations that hold the Geelong community together.
"Lara Cricket Club is a genuine community institution, and we're proud that our support has been part of its story since 2009," Mr Bisinella said.
"As a developer, we understand better than most how communities grow and change over time, and partnerships like this one are how we back that growth, on and off the field."
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Lara Cricket Club aims to build on that momentum, growing participation across every age group from Cricket Blast through to senior men's and women's cricket.
"We genuinely value Bisinella's ongoing commitment to Lara Cricket Club and the wider community," Mr Speirs said.
“We hope to continue the relationship for many years to come and find ways to make the partnership valuable for both Bisinella and Lara Cricket Club as we continue to grow and develop together."
Photo: @billyhewitt_images