2025/26 NSW Community Cricket Awards Announced

Two clubs whose focus on inclusivity and enhanced experiences for participants and volunteers saw them take out their respective categories. Gymea Bay Cricket Club was recognised as the Community Club of the Year after committing significant time and resources to build a comprehensive participant experience and cricket calendar, for over 400 participants. 

East Albury Cricket Club won the Women & Girls Initiative award for its innovative approach to growing female participation by offering full coverage of Cricket Blast registrations for girls.  

Once again, both major individual awards were presented to female volunteers. Heidi Vanderlem’s tireless work for the Emu Plains Cricket Club and Nepean District Cricket Association saw her named the Volunteer of the Year, while 15-year-old Hayley Graham received the Young Leader of the Year for her dedication to the Rouse Hill Rams Cricket Club as a Cricket Blast Coordinator and social media specialist. 

Two volunteers from the Thornleigh Cricket Club took home awards for their commitment to growing the game and embedding the spirit of cricket. Mark Swindell was named the Community Cricket Coach of the Year, while Nicholas Freestone was awarded the Community Match Official of the Year.  

West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club’s Graham Chivers’ fun and family-focused approach to entry-level cricket earned him the Woolworths Cricket Blast Coordinator of the Year award. The addition of music, BBQs and family fun days has led to a 75% year-on-year increase in Cricket Blast registrations.  

Two Associations were recognised for their proactive leadership and commitment to empowering clubs and volunteers. Cricket Wagga Wagga was named Community Cricket Association of the Year, while Blacktown City & District Cricket Association won the Junior Initiative award for its Under 9s Transition Competition. 

^{Community Club of the Year: Gymea Bay}

The development of world class cricket facilities was also celebrated – Manly Warringah Cricket Academy was named the Indoor Facility of the Year, while Raby Indoor Cricket Centre won the Community Facility Project award. 

The dedication of St Gergory’s College Campbelltown’s Head of Boarding, Luke Morrissey, to growing cricket within his school earned him the Celebrating Cricket In Schools award. 

Martin Gleeson, Cricket NSW Chief Community Cricket Officer, said: 

“Cricket NSW congratulates the 2025/26 NSW Community Cricket Award winners on their outstanding contributions to the game. 

“The 18 award winners from 15 categories exemplify the very best of our game. Whether the winners be individual volunteers, clubs, associations, organisations or government, each has driven positive change in their community through their hard work and passion for cricket. 

“On behalf of the entire NSW cricket community, we thank all winners and nominees for their commitment to ensuring everyone can play and love cricket.” 

These and all other award winners were selected from 285 nominations across 15 categories from members of the community. 

All NSW award winners have been nominated for the Cricket Australia National Community Cricket Awards, to be announced during National Volunteer Week in May 2026.     

Full list of 2025/26 Cricket NSW Community Cricket Awards: