31/05/2026
Thank you Carol for your kind words and support of our club. We are proud of our history, our people and the community spirit that has been at the heart of Lake Illawarra Cricket Club for 80 years. ππ
Yesterday, I spoke in Parliament about the Lake Illawarra Cricket Club, which has enjoyed extraordinary success over its 80-year history and recently inducted three new Life Members.
Here is what I said:
I rise today to recognise Lake Illawarra Cricket Club, known affectionately as the Lakers, which has its home ground at Howard Fowles Oval in my electorate of Whitlam.
I had the great pleasure of attending the clubβs 80th year presentation night at Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club this month, which included the induction of three new Life Members β Tim H**e, Kylie H**e and Ryan Smith.
Life Membership is the clubβs highest honour, recognising exceptional service, unwavering commitment and lasting impact over many years.
Since it was formed in 1945, Lake Illawarra Cricket Club has won an extraordinary 24 club championships, 45 first grade premierships of various kinds and 37 premierships across lower grades.
But the Lakers do not measure success by adding up these competition victories - or the number of final series they have qualified for or matches they have won.
They measure success by the community they have created.
Not just the people who play cricket for the club, but the volunteers who coach the juniors, prepare the ground, work behind the canteen and sit on the committee β and the lasting friendships that are built between these volunteers.
By this most important measure, Lake Illawarra Cricket Club is an outstandingly successful cricket club and community organisation.
I congratulate the Lake Illawarra Cricket Club on 80 years of success both on and off the pitch β and wish them all the very best for the future.
Lake Illawarra Cricket Club
Photo credit: Lake Illawarra Cricket Club - left to right Life Members Ryan Smith, Kylie H**e and Tim H**e.