Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown)— When Joey Gillard began playing First Grade cricket he was fifteen years old.

Two years on and Joey, a resident of Dudley, is the second-highest run scorer in the Newcastle District Cricket Association comp—which is one of the reasons why he was nominated as the Lake Mac Young Sports Star at the 2022 Lake Mac Awards.

Joey was named one of six finalists for the award, which is given for outstanding performance in junior sports. His achievements on the pitch are very impressive, scoring 130 not out at the State Challenge competition in Dubbo—which made him the competition's highest run scorer.

His sporting prowess isn't limited to cricket, either. He's an AFL player, and was named AFL Hunter Coast U17 Player of the Year in 2021. Joey is noted as showing great sportsmanship and for mentoring younger players as they rise through the ranks. His nomination was well-earned, and he more than deserved his spot amongst the finalists. Congratulations, Joey.

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!