Australian cricket's community heroes for season 2018/19 have been honoured at Cricket Australia'sA Sport for All Awards at Melbourne's CitiPower Centre overnight.
National awards in twelve categories recognised members of the cricket community from around the nation who have demonstrated excellence in strengthening clubs, growing participation and building community through diversity and education.
Leading the state charge with five awards was Western Australia, with three awards going to Quinns Rocks Junior Cricket Club including Community Cricket Club of the Year. Tasmanian doctor and president of the University of Tasmania Cricket Club, Charles Rose took out the coveted Volunteer of the Year Award.
Charles has worked tirelessly to create a culture of inclusion at his club and throughout the greater community, hosting the 'Don't Give Up, Give Back' Cup – a cricket tournament for people seeking asylum, refugees and international students from south Asia.
Former Australian fast bowler, Glenn McGrath was on hand to inspire the gathering of volunteers from across the country and to present awards.
Kieran McMillan, Acting Executive General Manager of Community Cricket at Cricket Australia said:
"Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of this year's national A Sport for All awards.
"These awards are all about celebrating the best of community cricket throughout Australia and acknowledging the dedication of volunteers to the game.
"Last night and all throughout National Volunteer Week we have shone a light on the people who dedicate hours of their own time to create happier, healthier and more connected local communities.
"I am always amazed by the stories of initiatives that start in lounge rooms and sometimes end up as solutions to problems on a national level. Cricket's volunteers are a constant source of inspiration and a key reason why our game holds a special place in Australian society."
All nominations for awards in 2018/19 were shortlisted by State and Territory Associations and provided to a Cricket Australia judging panel for assessment based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated excellence in the nominated award category;
- Created sustainable participation in cricket and ensured a high-quality experience for everyone; and
- Shown a firm commitment to inclusion by ensuring that cricket is a sport for all Australians.
Winners in all twelve categories were:
- Community Ambassador of the Year: Darren Werder (Mackay, QLD)
- Community Facility Project of the Year: Irrewarra Cricket Club (Colac, VIC)
- Community Official of the Year: Paul Todd (Adelaide, SA)
- Partner Organisation of the Year: Inclusion Solutions (Perth, WA)
- Community Cricket Coach of the Year: Jeremey Byrne (Ballarat, VIC)
- Premier Cricket Club of the Year: Ginninderra Cricket Club (Canberra, ACT)
- Junior Cricket Program of the Year: Quinns Rock Junior Cricket Club (Perth, WA)
- Junior Cricket Champion of the Year: Toby Morell (Perth, WA)
- Community Cricket Initiative of the Year: Team Connect (Perth, WA)
- Cricket Association of the Year: Manly Warringah Junior Cricket Association (Manly, NSW)
- Community Cricket Club of the Year: Quinns Rock Junior Cricket Club (Perth, WA)
- Volunteer of the Year: Charles Rose (UTAS Cricket Club, Hobart, TAS)
To access further information and profiles of the finalists and winners,click here.
Overlay, interviews and images
Video news releases are available with footage from the awards of each State and Territory's winners and finalistshere from 9am AEST.
Rights free images are available of all winners and finalists here from 6am AEST.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Phil Smith
CA Communications
M: +61 457 571 972
