Cricket Australia is pleased to announce its National Community Cricket Award winners, celebrating those who have made outstanding contributions to grassroots cricket.
Coinciding with National Volunteer Week, the annual awards celebrate excellence in 15 categories, highlighting individuals, clubs, and associations that have made a positive impact in their communities.
Now in its 10th year, the National Community Cricket Awards, presented by Westpac, recognises leaders and outstanding initiatives in volunteering, club administration, officiating, participation diversity and inclusion, and program development.
Westpac, NRMA Insurance, Toyota and HCLTech are supporting awards celebrating community cricket's volunteers by sponsoring elevated award categories, including exclusive content and standout prizes. In addition, Westpac will reward all other winners with a $1,000 gift card.
Cricket Australia congratulates all winners and nominees for their valuable contribution to Australian Cricket and their local communities.
James Allsopp, Cricket Australia Chief of Cricket, said:
"The National Community Cricket Awards celebrate the people who have made outstanding contributions to grassroots cricket as volunteers, administrators, officials and coaches.
"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.
"Our game is strengthened by healthy, thriving community cricket, and during National Volunteer Week, we are pleased to honour those whose passion for cricket and hard work is the bedrock of every local club and association.
"In the past year, there have been record breaking participation registrations for competitions and programs across the country - a testament to the tireless efforts of our volunteers, clubs and local communities who ensure the game thrives.
"On behalf of Cricket Australia, congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their incredible achievements over the past year and thank you for your invaluable contribution to cricket."
Damien MacRae, Westpac General Manager for Retail Banking, said:
"Our principal partnership with Cricket Australia was always about backing cricket at every level.
"Local cricket brings together communities thanks to the dedication of many incredible volunteers and creates pathways for the next generation of players and leaders.
"The Community Cricket Awards recognises the people and clubs doing extraordinary work and we're proud to invest in grassroots cricket and support the communities that keep the game thriving."
National Community Cricket Award Winners
NRMA Insurance Volunteer of the Year: Heidi Vanderlem, Emu Plains Cricket Club and Nepean District Cricket Association, NSW
Toyota Community Cricket Club of the Year: The Lakes Knights Cricket Club, QLD
Westpac Women & Girls Initiative of the Year: Cricket Gold Coast Ltd, QLD
Aussie Broadband Technology & Media Initiative of the Year: Rockingham Hornets Cricket Club, WA
HCLTech Young Leader of the Year: Hayley Graham, Rouse Hill Rams Cricket Club, NSW
Woolworths Cricket Blast Coordinator of the Year: Zoe Lewis, Torquay Cricket Club, VIC
Celebrating Cricket in Schools award: Marc Hughes, Moreton Bay College, QLD
Community Cricket Association of the Year: Metropolitan Junior Community Cricket Inc., WA
Community Cricket Coach of the Year: Allison Gray, Para Hills Cricket Club, SA
Community Cricket Partnership of the Year: Kalamunda Cricket Club & Blind Sports WA
Community Facility Project of the Year: City of Rockingham (Stan Twight Reserve), WA and Yelarbon Cricket Club (Yelarbon State School), QLD
Community Match Official of the Year: Kevin La Faber, Darwin & Districts Cricket Competition, NT
Inclusion & Diversity Initiative of the Year: All Ability Sports Coaching and Warners Bay Cricket Club, NSW
Indoor Facility of the Year: Casey Stadium, VIC
Junior Initiative of the Year: Cleveland Thornlands Cricket Club, QLD
