By Chloe Barnett
More than 60 years after facing his first ball for Freemans Reach Cricket Club, Phillip "George" Greentree OAM still remembers the moment clearly.
Since then, George has spent more than 50 years volunteering for Freemans Reach Cricket Club, a club founded by his great-grandfather in 1916. The family's connection to the club continued through George's grandfather and uncle before eventually being passed on to him.
"We've always prided ourselves on being a family club. The people are what make it special. Once people come to Freemans Reach, they tend to stay," George said.
This year, George's decades of service to cricket and the Hawkesbury community were recognised with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for Service to Cricket, and to the Community of the Hawkesbury. It adds to a list of honours that includes being named an inaugural Cricket NSW Community Distinguished Service Award recipient and having the club's local ground named George Greentree Oval.
George's introduction to club administration happened almost by accident at the age of 12. When his father was delayed and unable to attend the club's Annual General Meeting, George's uncle took him along to help make up the required numbers. By the end of the meeting, he had been appointed club secretary.
"For the next 25 years I was Secretary, and for the last 28 years I've been President," George said.
Across that time, George has helped guide generations of cricketers at Freemans Reach Cricket Club, ensuring access, enjoyment and success across all levels of the game. He has also served more than four decades on the Hawkesbury District Cricket Association Board and currently holds the role of Senior Vice President.
As well as his dedication behind the scenes, George has been a passionate coach, describing coaching as his "one true love".
After initially coaching his younger brother's Under 13 team, George helped guide a group of junior players through the grades and into the top division. Many of those players remain involved with the club today.
"I've looked after them ever since," he said. "I've never missed a game and we've won first grade 16 times together."
For those who know George, however, his contribution extends well beyond his volunteer roles. Throughout his time in cricket, he has built lasting connections with the people around him.
In announcing his OAM, the club described George as having made significant impact on countless lives, often without seeking recognition or reward, while also highlighting the acts of service that cannot be measured.,
"The early-morning lifts home after premiership celebrations, the phone calls and welfare checks, the willingness to lend a hand whenever needed, and simply being there for family, friends and members of the community are all part of what makes George so special,” the club said.
Those acts of service stem from George's own experiences growing up. His mother passed when he was young, and his father was unable to attend games due to work commitments.
"My dad never saw me play cricket and I was always the kid trying to find a lift to the ground," George said.
Ever since then, he has wanted to make sure the people around him knew they could rely on him for support.
During his teens, George lost his best friend in a drink-driving accident. Today, he actively encourages his players to call him if they can’t get home late at night.
"For years they knew that if they needed a lift, they could ring George and I'd come and get them,” he said.
Those relationships have grown into lifelong friendships. George has been best man at the weddings of players he coached and still spends his weekends supporting the people around him.
"There is no better feeling than being part of a team," he said.
Receiving an OAM this year was another proud moment, made all the more meaningful because of the people who have shared the journey.
"Whilst I was very humbled and pleased, I'm not naive enough to think it was just because of me," George said. "It was because of my family, my real family and my cricket family. They're all part of it. It was an award not just for me, but for Freemans Reach Cricket Club."
Today, cricket remains a constant in George's life. He continues to dedicate countless hours to supporting players, volunteers, and the club he has served for more than half a century. And despite everything he has already achieved, he has no plans to step away.
"Cricket gives me a purpose in life" he said. "I can't see myself giving it up, to be honest."
As stories like George's demonstrate, community cricket is built on volunteers who dedicate decades of service to their communities. If there is someone at your club or association who has made a similar contribution, nominations for the Cricket NSW Community Distinguished Service Award are now open.