Cricket volunteers honoured with Community Distinguished Service Awards

DEAN Bridges from Paterson Cricket Club and David Rumbel from Dungog Cricket Association have been awarded Community Distinguished Service Awards by Cricket NSW.

Cricket NSW introduced the Award this season to honour volunteers who have made significant contributions to cricket for more than 25 years.

Launched in October 2024, the award saw nominations pour in from across the state, from the Far North Coast to the southern border.

Dean Bridges is the President of Paterson Cricket Club and the captain of the Third Grade side.

“From the Paterson Cricket Club community, we would like to congratulate Dean on this achievement,” the club stated on social media.

David Rumbel receives the recognition posthumously, having passed away last June at the age of 69, following a 55-year love affair with the sport of cricket.

Martin Gleeson, Chief Community Cricket Officer, Cricket NSW, said, “Volunteers are the lifeblood of community cricket and every one of this season’s cohort of Community Distinguished Service Award winners has played a big role in cricket’s success over the last few decades.

“These volunteers have given their time and energy day after day for a sport they love to ensure it is enriched from the grassroots to the highest levels.

“We congratulate them on their well-deserved recognition and extend our wishes to all 43 recipients of our inaugural Community Distinguished Service Award.”