Volunteers Honoured In Awards

Queensland Cricket has congratulated a trio of outstanding volunteers following their acknowledgement in Australia Day awards over the weekend.

Former Queensland Cricket Director and long-time Queensland Country Cricket administrator Barry Jansen was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his service to cricket.

Jansen, a Board member between 2011 and 2023, played a major role in the growth of the Harrup Park complex as president of Mackay Cricket Association between 1986 and 2021.

Great Barrier Reef Arena, as it is now known, has successfully hosted international and national cricket events including the Weber Women’s Big Bash League.

Jansen also served as vice-president of Queensland Country Cricket between 2005 and 2011.

Wynnum-Manly District Cricket Club president Graham Mapri was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to sport in the Brisbane.

Mapri, who has held the reins as President at the Sea Eagles since 2015, has been involved in the administration of the Premier Cricket club since 2001, in addition to a lengthy playing career.

As well as cricket, where he has led a dedicated volunteer team in the upgrading of the club’s Carmichael Park facilities after major flood damage in 2022, Mapri has also been heavily involved in multiple sporting bodies throughout the eastern suburbs of Brisbane.

Meanwhile, Valley District Cricket volunteer Kaz Willis was recognised in The Lord Mayor's Australia Day Awards.

Willis received an Australia Day Achievement Award for her efforts in establishing th VDCC All Abilities Cricket Program that provides children and young adults with intellectual learning disabilities the chance to learn and play cricket. 

The program is free for participants and their families and Willis has successfully involved a range of supporters for the program, including the Queensland Cricket Foundation.

QC CEO Terry Svenson praised the three volunteers for their unstinting commitment to cricket.

“Cricket is successful due to the devotion of its volunteers,’’ he said. “The efforts of Barry, Graham and Kaz in their communities have delivered tangible benefits for cricket and we thank them for all of their hard work and inspired choices.”

“QC congratulates them on their recognition over the Australia Day weekend and we look forward to each of them continuing to make important contributions for our sport in the future,” Svenson said.

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