Cricket Australia today congratulates Faith Thomas and Mike Whitney for their recognition as Members of the Order of Australia in the General Division (AM) of the Queen's Birthday 2019 Honours List.
Thomas, 86, became the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia in a national sporting team when she was called-up for the Melbourne Test against England in 1958. Born at the Nepabunna Aboriginal Mission in South Australia in 1933, Thomas (nee Coulthard) would go on to become one of South Australia's first Aboriginal nurses and the state's first Indigenous public servant.
Thomas was also a talented hockey player and was recognised today for her "significant service to cricket, and to the Indigenous community."
Whitney, 60, represented Australia in 12 Tests and 38 one-day internationals and is a long-serving president of the Randwick-Petersham club in Sydney. He was a left-arm paceman of supreme speed and skill, but is equally remembered for his heroics as a No. 11 batsman in the 1987 Boxing Day Test - during which he repelled a Richard Hadlee-led attack for 18 deliveries - to secure Australia a famous draw.
Whitney has since launched a successful broadcast career with the Seven Network and was recognised today for his "significant service to cricket, and to the broadcast media."
Cricket Australia also congratulates Tony Harrison, Marty Klumpp, Tony Mellick, Richard Norris and Leslie Kausman for receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM) of the Queen's Birthday 2019 Honours List.
Harrison and Klumpp were honoured for their service to cricket, Mellick for his service to cricket and rugby union, Norris for his service to cricket and to the community and Kausman for his service to sport and to the community.
Cricket Australia also congratulates former NT Chief Minister Clare Martin for becoming an Officer of the Order of Australia in the General Division (AO), for her distinguished service as a community advocate, including her current role as Vice-President of Northern Territory Cricket.
Kevin Roberts, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, extended his sincere congratulations to everyone honoured in the Queen's Birthday 2019 Honours List.
"This is a wonderful recognition of cricket's unique place within Australian society," Roberts said.
"Faith Thomas is not just a pioneer within cricket, but Australian society in general. Faith's services to the game and to the South Australian community place her among the truly great Australians. We are immensely proud to count her among the cricket family.
"Mike Whitney has long been a fan-favourite due to his whole-hearted approach to the game and his good humour. Mike's service to the game extends long beyond his playing career, most notably his outstanding work with Randwick-Petersham.
"Tony Harrison, Marty Klumpp, Tony Mellick, Richard Norris, Leslie Kausman and Clare Martin have made equally important contributions to Australian cricket and the broader community. We are eternally grateful for their service. Cricket is a richer game because of them.
"On behalf of Cricket Australia, I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone honoured in the Queen's Birthday 2019 Honours List."
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Kristene Reynolds
CA Communications
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