Photo Credit: South Australian Cricket Association
South Australian cricket was proudly on show, with six nominees and three winners across thirteen categories.Supported by CommBank, the awards recognise excellent performance and outstanding initiative in all areas of community cricket volunteering, club administration, officiating, participation, diversity and inclusion and program development.
Held as part of National Volunteer Week, two finalists were selected across each category, with winners announced tonight at an online presentation ceremony.
South Australian winners included Community Coach of the Year, Ian Kenny and Volunteer of the Year, Nicole Williams. A junior coach with Streaky Bay Cricket Club, Ian Kenny has provided over a decade of service to cricket, helping to build an inclusive and safe environment for junior cricketers in the state’s far west. Noted for his insightful feedback and enthusiastic style, Ian continues to demonstrate how positive coaching can influence junior sport for the better. Taking on the role of Junior Coordinator four years ago with Brighton Cricket Club, Nicole Williams has been instrumental in developing one of the strongest junior cricket programs in South Australia. A passionate and dedicated member of the cricket community, Nicole’s initiative has seen a record increase in junior teams, continued growth in the junior girls participation and the introduction of what is now one of the largest Woolworths Cricket Blast programs in the state. The Barossa & Light Cricket Association (Community Cricket Association of the Year) rounded our the South Australian winners. Recognised for producing both high-quality cricket on field and high-quality operations off it, the BLCA continues to lead the way in its governance and level of community engagement. In addition to efficient operations, the association has established a strong junior pathway and continues to proactively seek opportunities to grow participation across the region.
Morphettville Park Cricket Club (Inclusion & Diversity Initiative of the Year), Mega Courts Indoor Sports (Indoor Facility of the Year) and Katie Liebelt (Celebrating Cricket in Schools) were additionally finalists in their respective categories.
SACA’s General Manager of Community Cricket Shane Bernhardt said:
“We congratulate all of tonight’s nominees and winners, in particular our six South Australian finalists.
“The hard work of volunteers and cricket officials in South Australia doesn’t go unnoticed and the National Community Cricket Awards are a terrific opportunity to recognise their contributions.
“We extend our thanks to all of the volunteers, coaches and officials across South Australia who remain the lifeblood of grassroots cricket in our state.”
Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Community Cricket James Allsopp said:
“It is a privilege to recognise the tireless work of the thousands of volunteers and officials who make community cricket so great through the National Community Cricket Awards.
“As always, there were many inspiring stories from the brilliant nominees who have created great experiences for their clubs and become leaders in their local communities.
“We would like to thank all those volunteers who have remained at the heart of grassroots cricket during a particularly challenging period.
“We look forward to continuing to provide the support they need to keep cricket thriving.
Full list of winners:
Community Coach of the Year: Ian Kenny (SA)
Women & Girls Initiative of the Year: West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club (NSW)
Community Cricket Club of the Year: Warwick Greenwood Cricket Club (WA)
Community Association of the Year: Barossa & Light Cricket Association (SA)
Inclusion & Diversity Initiative of the Year: Mechelle Hare (NSW)
Indoor Facility of the Year: Box Hill Action Indoor Sports (VIC)
Junior Initiative of the Year: Herbert River Cricket Club (QLD)
Community Match Official of the Year: Darrell Holt (VIC)
Partnership of the Year: Blind Cricket Tasmania (TAS)
Technology & Media Initiative of the Year: WA Country Cricket Board (WA)
Young Leader of the Year: Neel Kalia (WA)
Celebrating Cricket in Schools: Wayne Schultz (VIC)
Volunteer of the Year: Nicole Williams (SA)
