A love of cricket grew from being involved as a junior player through to becoming a driving force behind his local club.
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Years of commitment has led to James O’Bryen wanting to share his experience of being a member of a sports club with others because he believes it presents many positive opportunities in life.
Mr Meadows has been announced as the City of Greater Bendigo finalist for the Sports Focus Administrator of the Year Award for his contribution as a volunteer to the Axe Creek Cricket Club.
“I want the club to be a positive experience for everyone involved and show them that we are a sports club that aims to get the best out of ourselves,” Mr O’Bryen said.
He was inspired by the history behind the Axe Creek CC which has led to him being involved for more than a decade.
“The club was founded by local farmers and tradesman and they pretty much built the clubhouse from scratch and cleared the ground for the pitch,” Mr Meadows said.
“They maintained it with water from the nearby creek, they ensured the club was up and running based off the spirit of getting things done themselves.”
Through his roles as a volunteer he has been highly influential in the club’s positive culture, community focused outlook, overall success and has been described as the “heart and soul” of Axe Creek CC.
Mr O’Bryen’s background in business has also been integral to securing multiple grants to improve the club’s facilities, including the expansion of the pavilion to provide wheelchair access.
“The expansion fits in with our philosophy of respect and ensuring everyone gets a fair go,” Mr O’Bryen said.
“Cricket is a game for everyone.”
Mr O’Bryen has helped roll out initiatives at the club including; All Abilities Cricket, Afghan Refugee Come and Try Day, Multicultural Cricket Tournament, Blue Ball Match, 12 years of Pink Stumps Day matches and the introduction of a Code of Conduct and Member Protection Policy.
In 2014 he was also awarded the Cricket Victoria Volunteer Recognition Award at the Boxing Day Test.
2018 Finalists
- Simon Meadows: Kyneton & District Tennis Club (Macedon Ranges Shire)
- Sharyn Lockhart: Wedderburn Redbacks Inc. (Loddon Shire)
- Naomi Cartwright: Kyabram Parkland Golf Club (Shire of Campaspe)
- James O’Bryen: Axe Creek Cricket Club (City of Greater Bendigo)
- Heather Carr: Maryborough Lawn Tennis Club (Central Goldfields Shire)
- Ken Maddern: Castlemaine District Netball Association (Mount Alexander Shire)
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