James Allsopp says grassroots cricket continues to thrive because of the volunteers, coaches and local clubs who keep communities connected through the game.
Cricket Australia has recognised volunteers, clubs and local leaders from across the country at the 10th National Community Cricket Awards, highlighting the role grassroots cricket continues to play in community life during a period of rising participation.
Announced during National Volunteer Week, the annual awards celebrate achievements across 15 categories covering coaching, inclusion, club development, officiating and junior programs.
Cricket Australia said the awards reflect the work carried out behind the scenes by volunteers and local organisations that support players at all levels of the game.
Chief of Cricket James Allsopp said community cricket remained central to the sport’s long term health and participation growth.
“The National Community Cricket Awards celebrate the people who have made outstanding contributions to grassroots cricket as volunteers, administrators, officials and coaches,” he said.
“In the 10th year of these awards, we’re thrilled to recognise the dedication and commitment of those who elevate the community club experience by making cricket more enjoyable, accessible and inclusive for players of all ages and abilities.”
Allsopp said participation registrations across competitions and programs had reached record levels over the past year, crediting local clubs and volunteers for helping sustain interest in the sport across metropolitan and regional areas.
The awards were presented with support from Westpac, NRMA Insurance, Toyota and HCLTech, with sponsors backing categories linked to volunteering, women’s participation, technology and youth leadership.
Westpac General Manager for Retail Banking Damien MacRae said local cricket clubs continue to play a broader role within Australian communities.
“Local cricket brings together communities thanks to the dedication of many incredible volunteers and creates pathways for the next generation of players and leaders,” he said.
Among this year’s recipients, Heidi Vanderlem from Emu Plains Cricket Club and the Nepean District Cricket Association in New South Wales received the NRMA Insurance Volunteer of the Year award, while Queensland’s The Lakes Knights Cricket Club was named Toyota Community Cricket Club of the Year.
Other winners included Hayley Graham from Rouse Hill Rams Cricket Club in New South Wales as HCLTech Young Leader of the Year, and Allison Gray from Para Hills Cricket Club in South Australia as Community Cricket Coach of the Year.
Recognition was also given to inclusion and accessibility initiatives, with Kalamunda Cricket Club and Blind Sports WA receiving Community Cricket Partnership of the Year, while All Ability Sports Coaching and Warners Bay Cricket Club were honoured for Inclusion and Diversity Initiative of the Year.
Queensland clubs and organisations featured strongly across several categories, including Cricket Gold Coast Ltd for Women and Girls Initiative of the Year and Cleveland Thornlands Cricket Club for Junior Initiative of the Year.
Cricket Australia said the awards continue to reflect the changing face of grassroots cricket, with growing attention on inclusion, community partnerships and participation opportunities alongside on field performance.
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