Awards night shines light on club heroes

The most dedicated volunteers in Australian cricket have been honoured at the annual 'A Sport for All' Awards night in Melbourne.

Test legend Glenn McGrath was on hand as the game’s unsung heroes were recognised for their tireless efforts at cricket clubs right around Australia.

The Quinns Rocks Junior Cricket Club in Perth was recognised with three separate awards, including Community Cricket Club of the Year, while the president of the University of Tasmania club, Charles Rose, was named Volunteer of the Year.

Rose has been the driving force behind the ‘Don’t Give Up, Give Back’ Cup, a tournament for people seeking asylum, refugees and international students from predominantly south Asian countries.

McGrath said volunteers are vital to maintaining both a love of the game at the grassroots, as well has helping develop those who are destined to play at the top level.

“I think back to when I first started playing cricket out in the bush … without volunteers, this game just doesn’t happen,” he said.

“To go on and play for your country, you need to start somewhere. And without that grassroots (support), without the community and the volunteers who put the hard work in day in and day out to ensure the game happens, we wouldn’t be able to go on and play for our country.

“We want them to know how special we think they are.”

A Sport for All Awards night - Full Winners

Community Ambassador of the Year: Darren Werder (Mackay, QLD)

Community Facility Project of the Year: Irrewarra Cricket Club (Colac, VIC)

Community Official of the Year: Paul Todd (Adelaide, SA)

Partner Organisation of the Year: Inclusion Solutions (Perth, WA)

Community Cricket Coach of the Year: Jeremey Byrne (Ballarat, VIC)

Premier Cricket Club of the Year: Ginninderra Cricket Club (Canberra, ACT)

Junior Cricket Program of the Year: Quinns Rock Junior Cricket Club (Perth, WA)

Junior Cricket Champion of the Year: Toby Morell (Perth, WA)

Community Cricket Initiative of the Year: Team Connect (Perth, WA)

Cricket Association of the Year: Manly Warringah Junior Cricket Association (Manly, NSW)

Community Cricket Club of the Year: Quinns Rock Junior Cricket Club (Perth, WA)

Volunteer of the Year: Charles Rose (UTAS Cricket Club, Hobart, TAS)