Cricket Victoria pays tribute to its volunteers

Cricket Victoria paid tribute to long-term volunteers at the 50 Year Service Awards on Day 3 of the Domain Boxing Day Test against New Zealand at the MCG.

This is the 16th consecutive year of the awards, that look to highlight those who have contributed outstanding service as either a player, coach, official, administrator or volunteer of the game of cricket.

Hosted in the historic Olympic Room, 30 recipients, who were nominated by their peers, received a framed certificate signed by Cricket Australia Chief Executive Kevin Roberts and Cricket Victoria Chief Executive Andrew Ingleton to thank them for their contribution and commitment to cricket in Victoria.

Cricket Victoria note that local clubs and associations rely heavily on the passion, hard work and dedication of the large volunteer cricket community who invest enormous time in the successful running of our game.

Among those recognised is Michael Brettargh, who has given 65 years of outstanding service to St Barnabas Cricket Club. Brettargh has spent his entire career at St Barnabas CC, beginning in 1955.  He enjoyed a decorated playing career which spanned close to 400 senior games and many junior games, as well as being a premiership player and premiership captain. Brettargh also spent over a decade on the club committee including a long stint as President.

Even though he has stopped playing, Brettargh makes the trip every Saturday by public transport from Ballarat to North Balwyn to watch his beloved club. He always makes sure he has a jacket, so he can go out and umpire. He helps out with scoring and assists with club duties in any way he can. Brettargh’s often described as a true gentleman, wonderful clubman and a cricket lover.

Cricket Victoria congratulates the 30 volunteers who they consider thoroughly deserve their award for their tireless contribution to cricket for over 50 years:

Russell Baldi (dec.)  Numurkah Youth Club, Numurkah Youth CC, 50 years

Michael Brettargh, St Barnabas CC, 65 years

Robert Butler, Harrisfield CC, Parkfield CC, 60 years

John Edgar, Burwood CC, 52 years

Malcolm Fielden, Burwood CC, 51 years

Raymond Finn, Victoria CC, Teachers’ CC, Buckley Park CC, 53 years

Ian Fyfe, Blackburn South CC, 55 years

Anthony Grace,  Camberwell CC, 50 years

Nick Hamer, South Croydon CC, 50 years

Ivo Havard, Werribee CC, 50 years

Brian Hedger, Camrea CC, East Preston YCW, Croxton Methodist CC, Riverside CC, 51 years

Peter Hogan,  Bonbeach CC, Chelsea YCW Junior Sporting Club,  50 years

Graeme Hudson, Coburg CC, Broadmeadows CC, Preston CC, Taylors Lakes CC, 50 years

Julian Hughes, Washington CC, Glen Waverley Church of Christ CC, Eastern Umpires Association,  60 years

Lawrie Jephcott, Camrea CC, 53 years

Allan Logan, Washington/Washington Park CC, SECA,  55 years

Ron Luff,  Burwood CC, Northcote CC, Hawthorn East CC, 53 years

Mark McInnes, Springvale CC, 50 years

Ian McRae, Jung CC, Burwood Uniting Canterbury CC,  55 years

Mervyn Miller,  Blackburn South CC,  55 years

Ian Pritchard,  Box Hill Methodists CC, Springvale CC, Leopold CC, Drysdale CC, Geelong Seniors CC, Geelong CC, Australian Over 60s, 53 years

Geoff Stafford, Hexham CC, Mortlake CC, South West Cricket Association, 57 years

Colin Young, Blackburn South CC, 51 years