Renowned local cricket volunteer Sanjay Sharma and his organisation – the Indian Australian Multicultural Sports Association (IAMSA) – have been recognised in the Cricket Australia National Community Cricket Awards.
The winners were announced today as part of National Volunteer Week and celebrate the amazing contribution, and tireless work of the volunteers at the heart of grassroots cricket.
The annual awards include 15 categories, recognising individuals, clubs, and associations that have exhibited excellence in their roles and made a positive impact in the communities they serve.
Mr Sharma was announced a finalist in the awards at the recent ACT Cricket Awards with today's announcement the winners in the National Awards. He was awarded the Inclusion & Diversity Initiative of the Year, while IAMSA was named Community Cricket Association of the Year.
Mr Sharma's work, through IAMSA, has:
- Increased diversity and participation
- Created a sense of belonging and community
- Grown membership, and
- Engaged in positive cultural exchange through tournaments like the Multicultural World Cup.
Cricket ACT CEO, Olivia Thornton, said Mr Sharma had worked tirelessly for many years to unite our community through the vehicle of cricket and is most deserving of the awards.
"For the ACT to have two nominations in the National awards and for our Territory to have two winners, is absolutely fantastic.
"I commend Sanjay for all his efforts to date and look forward to working with him and IAMSA in the future to continue to increase diversity in our game and participation of cricket in our multicultural community."
The National Community Cricket Award winners and nominations included many outstanding initiatives in vital areas such as volunteering, club administration, officiating, participation, diversity and inclusion, and program development.
Cricket Australia congratulated all winners and nominees for their significant contribution to Australian Cricket and the people of their local communities.
Executive General Manager, Community Cricket and Capability, James Allsopp said:
"The National Community Cricket Awards provide the opportunity to celebrate and showcase the hard work of individuals and clubs from across the country.
“The awards form an important part of celebrating cricket’s volunteers, and we hope they will inspire others to get involved with their local club.
“I’d like to thank and congratulate all the winners and nominees for their contributions to cricket.”
National Community Award Winners
- Community Cricket Association of the Year– Indian Australian Multicultural Sports Association, ACT
- Inclusion & Diversity Initiative of the Year – Sanjay Sharma, Indian Australian Multicultural Sports Association, ACT
- Celebrating Cricket in Schools – Southern Cross Catholic College, Townsville, QLD
- Toyota Community Cricket Club of the Year – Northern Districts (Butchers) Cricket Club, NSW
- Community Cricket Coach of the Year – David Turnbull, Jandakot Lakes Junior Cricket Club, WA
- Community Cricket Partnership of the Year – Harrup Park and Mackay Cricket Association, QLD
- Community Facility Project of the Year – Maroondah City Council – Maroondah Edge Centre (Jubilee Park)
- Community Match Official of the Year - Phillip Turtle, Hawkesbury District Cricket Umpires Association, NSW
- Cricket Blast Coordinator of the Year – Ash Hockin, East Albury Cricket Club, NSW
- Indoor Facility of the Year – Mark Taylor Oval Indoor Cricket Centre, NSW
- Junior Initiative of the Year – Payneham Cricket Club, SA
- Technology & Media Initiative of the Year – Coromandel Valley Ramblers Cricket Club, SA
- NRMA Insurance Volunteer of the Year – Kirsten Piccinini, Wembley Districts Junior Cricket Club & Central Junior Cricket Association, WA
- HCLTech Women and Girls Initiative of the Year – White Knights Baldivis Cricket Club, WA
- HCLTech Young Leader of the Year – Josh Niederer, Reynella Cricket Club, SA