Cricket Victoria is proud to congratulate Rob Fisher from Maiden Gully Marist Cricket Club and Lisa Dobson from Hawthorn Boroondara Cricket Club on being named the inaugural recipients of the David Jukes Volunteer of the Year Awards for season 2025-26. The awards recognise two outstanding volunteers whose dedication, leadership and passion have made a lasting […]
Cricket Victoria is proud to congratulate Rob Fisher from Maiden Gully Marist Cricket Club and Lisa Dobson from Hawthorn Boroondara Cricket Club on being named the inaugural recipients of the David Jukes Volunteer of the Year Awards for season 2025-26.
The awards recognise two outstanding volunteers whose dedication, leadership and passion have made a lasting impact on cricket communities across Victoria.
Rob Fisher's commitment to All-Abilities cricket has helped create a welcoming and inclusive environment at Maiden Gully Marist Cricket Club, ensuring players living with disability can participate in structured team sport within a fun, supportive and social setting.
From coordinating volunteers and NDIS-funded support, to assisting players with PlayHQ registrations and uniform purchases, Rob's contribution extends across every aspect of the program. He coaches lower-grade teams, drives team buses for away matches in Melbourne and provides ongoing mentorship to players as they navigate the challenges and rewards of community sport.
Rob also oversees match-day administration, ensuring club facilities are safe and welcoming for home and visiting teams. His collaboration with a local bakery to provide fresh and nutritious afternoon teas has enhanced the game-day experience for players and eased the burden on participants and families.
Lisa Dobson has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of girls' and women's cricket across both club and regional pathways. As Junior Girls Section Manager at Hawthorn Boroondara Cricket Club, Lisa has been instrumental in creating opportunities for young girls to enter and progress through the game.
Beyond her club involvement, Lisa serves as a committee member of the Eastern Girls and Women's Cricket Competition and as a Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union girls' coordinator for the Eastern Cricket Association. She also contributes to child safety leadership within her association, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering safe and inclusive environments for young cricketers.
Lisa's impact at Hawthorn Boroondara Cricket Club is reflected through initiatives such as the "Junior Girls Club Champion – Lisa Dobson Award", recognising the influence and respect she has earned within her cricket community.
Thanks to a generous bequest from the David Jukes Estate, Rob and Lisa will each receive a $2,500 equipment voucher to support their local club, along with a $2,500 personal voucher in recognition of their outstanding service and contribution to cricket.
On receiving his award, Rob Fisher said he's incredibly proud to be named the inaugural David Jukes Male Volunteer of the Year.
"I'm humbled to receive such an honour. More importantly, I'm looking forward to using these funds to purchase new training and match balls for our club," Fisher said.
"On a personal note, the prize money will also go towards my next overseas cricket tour. We are playing in the West Indies in March & April 2027, and this will help fund some of the trip."
Hawthorn Boroondara's own Lisa Dobson said she's incredibly honoured to win the David Jukes Female Volunteer of the Year award, with funds going towards a new honour board for the club.
"I am just one face amongst so many amazing humans who show up week in and week out to keep the wheels turning throughout the cricket season," Dobson said.
"The connections made and relationships built in community cricket have the power to shift everything. Nothing material in life can replace having a sense of purpose and a knowledge that you are empowering girls to feel safe and valued."
"I am incredibly passionate about girls' participation in cricket and what it can do for their mental and physical health and that's why I continue to do what I do."
"A huge thank you to Cricket Victoria and the David Jukes Foundation for recognising the impact of volunteers in community sport, and also to Hawthorn Boroondara CC who continue to back me in supporting and prioritising female participation."
Cricket Victoria remains committed to recognising and celebrating the invaluable contribution of volunteers, while ensuring David Jukes' legacy continues to inspire communities across the Victorian cricket landscape.
