Cricket Australia is celebrating the outstanding contribution of grassroots volunteers across the country with the announcement of the winners of the National Community Cricket Awards.
The awards recognise excellent performance and outstanding initiatives in all areas of community cricket volunteering, club administration, officiating, participation, diversity and inclusion and program development.
Announced during National Volunteer Week, two finalists were selected in 13 categories with the nominees all demonstrating the amazing support thousands of volunteers across the game provide for their local clubs and associations.
The award winners are:
Community Coach of the Year
A coach who exemplifies coaching the Australian Way. Someone who has gone out of their way to make sure that participants are supported to develop both their skills and a lifelong love of cricket.
Winner: Roy Rinks (Griffith District Cricket Association)
Runner up: John Hignett (Whitfords Junior Cricket Club)
Women and Girls Initiative of the Year
Celebrating the outstanding delivery of female – based experiences by finding clever or innovative ways to engage and grow their program
Winner: Dubbo Junior Cricket Association
Runner Up: Pioneer Valley Cricket Club
Community Cricket Club of the Year
A community cricket club that actively creates welcoming environments and seeks to create sustainable participation and growth through good governance, volunteer support and inclusive on field programs.
Winner: Southern District Magpies Cricket Club
Runner up: Sanctuary Lakes Cricket Club
Community Cricket Association of the Year
A cricket association that actively works to create sustainable competition that provides opportunities for everyone to have the chance to play cricket.
Winner: Cricket Albury Wodonga
Runner up: Chinchilla Cricket Association (Darling Downs)
Inclusive and Diversity Initiative of the Year
Acknowledging the outstanding delivery of diverse and inclusive experiences by finding clever and innovative ways to engage and grow offerings.
Winner: West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club
Runner up: Margaret River Hawks Cricket Club
Indoor Facility of the Year
An Indoor Facility that embraces the connection with the community and cricket to provide the best program experience to its participants.
Winner: John Mackay Sports Centre
Runner up: Casey Stadium – YMCA
Junior Initiative of the Year
Acknowledging the outstanding delivery of junior cricket experiences by finsing clever and innovative ways to grow junior offerings with a focus on education, fun and social connection.
Winner: North Queensland Country Club
Runner up: Cowra Junior Cricket Association
Community Match Official of the Year
An umpire or match official (such as a scorer) who leads by example in championing safe, fair and enjoyable cricket for all.
Winner: Alison Fairleigh
Runner up: Matthew Kruger
Partnership of the Year
Outstanding leadership and support in building community based partnerships that provide positive outcomes to the cricket community.
Winner: St George Cricket Association & South West School Sport
Runner up: Blacktown City & District Cricket Association
Technology and Media Initiative of the Year
An individual, club or association who has used technology to create connection to its members, whether by reducing volunteer time, connecting members through social media or enhancing participant experience.
Winner: The Cricket Show – Wide Bay
Runner up: Parramatta District Cricket Association
Young Leader of the Year
A young person, under the age of 25, who positively impacts those around them through their off – field leadership in volunteering.
Winner: Elysa Oliveri
Runner up: Daniel Melican
Celebrating Cricket in Schools
Celebrating the connection between schools, students and the broader cricket community.
Winner: Joshua Wardell – Spring Mountain State School
Runner up: Annie Mackenzie – Glenora District High School
Toyota Volunteer of the Year
A volunteer who demonstrates their active involvement within their club through creating opportunity for all members, players and families to feel supported and included.
Winner: Amanda Fraser
Runner up: Andrew Guest
Congratulations on an amazing year and for your outstanding efforts across the country!