New South Wales volunteers, clubs and cricket facilities walked away with close to a third of Cricket Australia’s National Community Cricket Awards, which celebrate the incredible contribution and tireless work of the volunteers at the heart of grassroots cricket.
Coinciding with National Volunteer Week, the annual awards celebrate excellence in 16 categories, highlighting individuals, clubs, and associations that have made a positive impact in their communities.
NSW’s award-winning volunteers included Dave Neil of Orange CYMS Cricket Club, who was named Coach of the Year, and Shane Wilson of Kiama Cavaliers CC, who was named Blast Coordinator of the Year, a category that was introduced last year.
Warringah CC shone among club-based awards to win the Junior Initiative of the Year, while NSW’s community cricket facilities such as Shoalhaven’s Artie Smith Oval and Central Coast’s Charmhaven Indoor Sports took the major facilities awards.
NSW also received high recommendations in four categories. Matthew Pearce Public School was recommended for its efforts in Celebrating Cricket in Schools. Ken Bakon was a high recommendation in the Community Match Official category. Harris Park Cricket Club was recommended in the Women & Girls Initiative of the Year category, while Newcastle’s Alyssa Wharton was recommended as a Young Leader of the Year.
Cricket Australia earlier congratulated all winners and nominees for their significant contribution to Australian Cricket and their local communities.
Cricket Australia's Chief of Cricket, James Allsopp, said:
"The National Community Cricket Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and clubs who dedicate their time and effort to support cricket across Australia. Volunteers are the backbone of grassroots cricket, playing a vital role in ensuring its continued growth and success in local communities.
"These awards highlight the dedication and commitment of those who make cricket more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for players of all ages and abilities. Their efforts—whether in administration, coaching, officiating, or community engagement—help strengthen clubs and create welcoming environments for everyone involved.
"On behalf of Cricket Australia, I congratulate all the winners and nominees for their remarkable achievements. Their hard work and passion make a meaningful difference, and we sincerely appreciate everything they do to support the game."
National Community Award Winners
Volunteer of the Year: Chrissie Ponter, Federal Cricket Club, NT
Community Cricket Club of the Year: Coromandel Valley Ramblers Cricket Club, SA
Women & Girls Initiative of the Year: Mel Nixon, Tracy Village Cricket Club, NT
Young Leader of the Year: Henry Land, Cunnamulla Emus Cricket Club, QLD
Celebrating Cricket in Schools: St Andrews Catholic College, Redlynch, QLD
Community Cricket Association of the Year: Metropolitan Junior Community Cricket Inc., WA Community Cricket Coach of the Year: Dave Neil, Orange CYMS Cricket Club, NSW Community Cricket Partnership of the Year: Swan Valley Cricket Club, WA
Community Facility Project of the Year (Major Category - $1M+): Shoalhaven City Council, Artie Smith Oval, NSW
Community Facility Project of the Year (Minor Category - < $1M): Eastlake Junior Cricket Club/ACT Government, Deakin West Oval, ACT
Community Match Official of the Year: Amey Jambeka, Huon Channel Cricket Association, TAS
Cricket Blast Coordinator of the Year: Shane Wilson, Kiama Cavaliers Cricket Club, NSW
Inclusion and Diversity Initiative of the Year: Priya Rajendra, North Balwyn Cricket Club & Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club, VIC
Indoor Facility of the Year: Charmhaven Indoor Sports, NSW
Junior Initiative of the Year: Warringah Cricket Club, NSW
Technology and Media Initiative of the Year: Warwick Greenwood Cricket Club, WA