Cricket Australia is proud to announce Zoe Lewis (Torquay Cricket Club, Victoria) as the winner of the 2025–26 Community Cricket Blast Coordinator of the Year Award, recognising her exceptional leadership, professionalism and impact in delivering outstanding entry‑level cricket experiences for children and families.
Award Winner: Zoe Lewis – Torquay Cricket Club (VIC)
Zoe Lewis has played a pivotal role in transforming the Cricket Blast program at Torquay Cricket Club into one of the largest and highest‑quality programs in the Geelong region. Since taking on the role alongside her husband Mark in the 2023–24 season, Zoe’s dedication and teaching expertise have driven remarkable growth, largely through word‑of‑mouth praise from families.
A Physical Education teacher, Zoe brings best‑practice planning and delivery to every program. She develops comprehensive eight‑week session plans, drawing on Cricket Blast resources and professional teaching methods to ensure sessions are well organised, inclusive and fun, while building core cricket skills. Activities are carefully tailored by age and ability, with progressive skill development balanced by creativity—using equipment such as parachutes and medicine balls to keep sessions engaging.
Zoe’s focus on quality is reflected in her thoughtful program design: group sizes are capped at 10 participants, rotations are frequent to maximise action and engagement, and waiting time is kept to a minimum. This commitment to excellence has delivered extraordinary participation growth. Prior to Zoe’s involvement, Torquay CC averaged 41 Blast participants. In her first season, numbers rose to 76, then increased again to 131 in 2024–25 and 105 in 2025–26, with numbers intentionally capped to preserve a high‑quality experience.
Family engagement sits at the heart of Zoe’s approach. Parents and guardians are actively encouraged to participate through whole‑group warm‑ups, simple micro‑volunteering roles and regular, positive communication. This inclusive model strengthens session delivery, builds family confidence and creates a welcoming environment where children and adults alike feel connected to the club.
Crucially, Zoe has established clear and successful pathways into junior cricket. Participation growth has directly contributed to Torquay Cricket Club fielding four Under 11 boys’ teams, while girls’ participation in Cricket Blast has increased from three in 2022–23 to 15 in 2025–26, enabling an all‑girls group and supporting the sustainability of the club’s girls’ programs.
Zoe also ensures Cricket Blast is fully embedded within the wider club. Senior men’s and women’s players regularly assist as skill coaches, reinforcing role modelling and connection, while post‑session BBQs and family‑focused events—such as a Christmas break‑up and presentation evening—create a strong sense of belonging.
Through her professionalism, energy and genuine care, Zoe Lewis has made Cricket Blast a cornerstone of Torquay Cricket Club’s long‑term sustainability and community impact, making her a deserving national award recipient.
Highly Commended: Cameron Francis – Surfers Paradise Cricket Club (QLD)
The judging panel also extends high commendation to Cameron Francis of Surfers Paradise Cricket Club, Queensland, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Cricket Blast within his local community. Cameron’s commitment to delivering positive, inclusive experiences for young participants has played a vital role in supporting entry‑level cricket and strengthening club pathways.
Cricket Australia congratulates Zoe Lewis on her outstanding achievement and thanks Cameron Francis and all nominees across the country for their passion and commitment to introducing the next generation of players and families to cricket through Cricket Blast.