Photo Credit: Cricket Australia
Australian Cricket has tonight celebrated the grassroots cricket community by recognising the contribution of volunteers, programs and initiatives at the 2020-21 national Community Cricket Awards.
Supported by the Commonwealth Bank, the awards feature 12 categories covering outstanding contributions to all aspects of club life and community cricket.
Leading the State honours with four awards was Western Australia where Leschenault Cricket Club was named Community Cricket Club of the Year. South Australia claimed three awards with Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association named Community Cricket Association of the Year.
The virtual awards coincided with National Volunteer Week, with this year’s theme being Recognise. Reconnect. Reimagine.
James Allsopp, Cricket Australia Executive General Manager Community Cricket, said:
“Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of this year’s national Community Cricket awards.
“In what has been a season like no other, the support of our volunteers, clubs and associations has been invaluable in getting the cricket season up and running.
“We’ve seen volunteers go above and beyond, dedicating hours of their time, to support their local clubs, associations and communities.
“We are very appreciative of everyone’s efforts and would like to thank all those in the community who continue to inspire us. Thank you for helping our game continue to thrive.”
Monique Macleod, Commonwealth Bank Chief Marketing Officer, said:
“As proud partners of Cricket Australia for over 30 years, and supporters of the women’s team for the last 22, we’re delighted to see how far the game has come. It’s been our focus to get more girls playing cricket, and with the help of our Growing Cricket for Girls Fund we have helped create over 1,500 new teams.
“We believe cricket is a sport for all and are passionate about making the game inclusive and accessible for all Australians. We’ve already seen cricket go from strength to strength, so can’t wait to see what the next generation can do. We would like to congratulate all the nominees for tonight and want to thank you for your commitment to community cricket and growing the game we all love.”
All nominations were shortlisted by State and Territory Associations and provided to a Cricket Australia judging panel for assessment based on their demonstrated focus of creating sustainable participation through initiatives that provide high quality and inclusive experiences.
2020-21 Community Cricket award winners
Indoor Facility of the Year: Bouncer Indoor Sports (WA)
Community Cricket Coach of the Year: Mark Macdonald, Winston Hills Cricket Club (NSW)
Inclusion & Diversity Initiative of the Year: Bateman Junior Cricket Club (WA)
Community Match Official of the Year: Marcus Rosas (NT)
Young Leader of the Year: Daniel Smith, Sorell Cricket Club (TAS)
Community Partnership of the Year: Kingsley Woodvale Junior Cricket Club (WA)
Technology & Media Initiative of the Year: Jarryd Simister & Nick Work, Coromandel Valley Ramblers Cricket Club (SA)
Women & Girls Initiative of the Year: Leya Wilson, Charlestown Junior Cricket Club and Newcastle Junior Cricket Association (NSW)
Junior Cricket Initiative of the Year: Adelaide Nepalese Cricket Association (SA)
Celebrating Cricket in Schools: Stuart Medcraft, Mowbray Cricket Club (TAS)
Community Cricket Association of the Year: Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (SA)
Community Cricket Club of the Year: Leschenault Cricket Club (WA)
Name of Author: Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia (CA), formerly the Australian Cricket Board (ACB), is the governing body for cricket in Australia. Established in 1905 as the Australian Board of Control for International Cricket, CA manages all national teams, including Men’s, Women’s, and Youth sides, as well as other national teams. It oversees the organization of Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is, and coordinates home international fixtures.
