CRICKET volunteers across the Bayside and Wynnum have been recognised on the national stage, with local clubs and school programs honoured at the 2026 Cricket Australia National Community Cricket Awards.
Announced during National Volunteer Week, the annual awards celebrate individuals, clubs and initiatives making a positive impact in communities across Australia through grassroots cricket.
Now in its 10th year, the National Community Cricket Awards recognise excellence in volunteering, participation, inclusion, officiating, club administration and program development.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Cleveland-Thornlands Cricket Club claimed the Junior Initiative award for its innovative Trebles competition held at Henry Ziegenfusz Park in Cleveland.
The December carnival featured nine teams from across the Redlands cricket community and involved 72 junior participants.
Designed as a fun and inclusive introduction to junior cricket, Trebles cricket targets young developing players – particularly Woolworths Cricket Blast graduates – with a strong focus on girls and mixed-gender participation.
Blast format matches were also staged throughout the day to help foster participation and support the long-term growth of cricket across the region.
Wynnum was also celebrating success, with Moreton Bay College Head of Primary School Sport Marc Hughes receiving the national Celebrating Cricket in Schools award.
Hughes was recognised for dramatically growing cricket participation at the school, overseeing a 167 per cent increase in player numbers over the past three years.
Last year he introduced a four-week cricket curriculum delivered by Queensland Cricket staff across six classes during Term 3, engaging around 150 students.
The program also acted as a pathway into the Andrews Cup Girls’ School Cricket Competition.
His efforts culminated in a major girls’ cricket event at Kianawah Park in Tingalpa, featuring more than 20 teams from all-girls schools across Greater Brisbane.
More than 200 students participated in the carnival, which was supported by approximately 15 Queensland Cricket staff members.
