Dedicated volunteer Jarrod Hansen claims deserved recognition at the WA Community Cricket Awards

Albany’s Jarrod Hansen received worthy State recognition at the WA Community Cricket Awards at the WACA on Tuesday night.

Hansen was announced the winner of the young volunteer of the year award.

The WA Community Cricket Awards comprise 14 categories, with three finalists named in each award after nominations.

Each award is Statewide, with regional and metropolitan players, officials and clubs eligible.

Hansen was nominated by a member of his local club in the Albany and Districts Cricket Association, Collingwood Park Cricket Club.

He is the secretary and communications officer for Collingwood Park as well as the communications co-ordinator for the ADCA, and is a committee member for the Southern Smash.

In his nomination, Hansen was described as a passionate club member and association executive member, who does a lot of behind the scenes and off-field planning involved in running a club but is always the first to umpire, score or support his teammates.

To be eligible for the young volunteer of the year award, nominees must be under the age of 21.

Although Hansen has just turned 21, he was 20 at the start of the season, making him eligible.

Hansen was humbled by the honour.

“To know that the work I’m doing is being recognised and appreciated by those in the community to the point of being nominated for an award, let alone winning it, is a really satisfying feeling,” he said.

“I enjoy volunteering probably for the feeling of giving back to the community and giving the kids coming through a fun and inclusive environment to play cricket in.

“It’s always nice to get recognition for volunteer work, but its definitely not why I do it.”

WACA Great Southern cricket manager Tim Edmunds said Hansen was a worthy recipient.

“It’s a wonderful achievement to a dedicated young volunteer playing a huge role for his club and association,” he said.

“He should be applauded for the work he has done and it’s great to see him recognised.

“He has great qualities and is very mature for his age.”

Mt Barker Junior Cricket Club were also a finalists, nominated for country club of the year.