WA Community Cricket Awards Celebrate the Heart of the Game

WACA Chair Gail McGowan PSM opened proceedings, setting the tone for a night dedicated to recognising the tireless efforts of those who make cricket accessible, inclusive and enjoyable at every level.

Among the evening's highlights was the presentation of the Len Pavy Award, honouring the late Len Pavy who passed away last month aged 89. A former first-class cricketer who debuted for WA at just 17, Pavy dedicated his life to unifying junior cricket across metropolitan Perth, ultimately helping create the Community Junior Cricket Council. Bicton Junior Cricket Club claimed the award bearing his name, recognised for their growth to over 320 players and commitment to accessible, family-focused cricket.

Kalamunda Cricket Club enjoyed a standout evening, taking home both the Community Partnership of the Year and Senior Metropolitan Community Cricket Club of the Year awards. Their NET24 initiative – a 24-hour non-stop cricket marathon in partnership with Blind Sports WA – exemplified how clubs can use cricket to drive meaningful social impact.

Regional cricket shone brightly, with Toodyay Cricket Club named Country Cricket Club of the Year for their inclusive environment and strong volunteer culture. Allan Hobley received recognition as Junior Community Cricket Coach of the Year for reviving cricket in Nyabing – a small farming town that hadn't fielded a team in nearly 40 years.

The awards also celebrated those who went the extra mile to champion inclusion and diversity. Joondalup Kinross Cricket Club took home the Inclusion and Diversity Award for their integrated cricket program, while Coolbinia West Perth Junior Cricket Club won the Growing Cricket for Women and Girls Award after nearly doubling their female player numbers in a single season.

Guest speaker Adam Voges, who recently stepped down as WA Men's coach, reflected on the importance of grassroots cricket and the dedicated volunteers who nurture the next generation of players.

The evening featured several door prize draws and showcased memorabilia including the BBL15 trophy and Annabel Sutherland's playing shirt from the historic pink-ball Test at the WACA.

WA Cricket General Manager of Community Cricket Jo Davies closed the evening by paying tribute to the volunteers whose contributions make the game possible.

"Our volunteers are the lifeblood of community cricket," Davies said. "Without their dedication week in, week out, none of what we celebrate tonight would be possible.

"Every coach who runs training, every scorer who keeps the books, every committee member who keeps clubs running – they're the reason thousands of Western Australians get to experience the joy of cricket."

2025-26 Award Winners

Celebrating Cricket in Schools: Dan Rodgers – Deanmore Primary School
Woolworths Cricket Blast Coordinator of the Year: Kara Stalker – Carnarvon Cricket Blast Centre
Inclusion and Diversity Award: Joondalup Kinross Cricket Club
Growing Cricket for Women and Girls: Coolbinia West Perth Junior Cricket Club
Community Partnership of the Year: Kalamunda Cricket Club
Technology and Media Initiative of the Year: Rockingham Hornets Cricket Club
Community Facility Project of the Year: City of Rockingham (Stan Twight Reserve)
Junior Community Cricket Coach of the Year: Allan Hobley – Nyabing Cricket Club
Community Match Official of the Year: Dempsey Collins
Young Volunteer of the Year: Jacob Edwards – Joondalup Kinross Cricket Club
Senior Metropolitan Community Cricket Club of the Year: Kalamunda Cricket Club
Len Pavy Junior Metropolitan Community Cricket Club of the Year: Bicton Junior Cricket Club
Country Cricket Club of the Year: Toodyay Cricket Club
Country Volunteer of the Year (Female): Jessica Wake – Sportsmans Cricket Club
Country Volunteer of the Year (Male): James Gannaway – Busselton-Margaret River Cricket Association
Metropolitan Volunteer of the Year (Female): Cassie Harrison – Phoenix Beeliar Junior Cricket Club
Metropolitan Volunteer of the Year (Male): Paul Fernie – Ellenbrook Rangers Cricket Club