Denis Watts named top volunteer

Broken Hill's own 'Mr Cricket' Denis Watts has been inducted into the Nydia Edes Hall of Fame for his volunteer work in local sport.

Mr Watts' induction was announced at tonight's Broken Hill Community Volunteer Awards ceremony, where he also took out an award as the top volunteer in the Sporting category.

Mr Watts has volunteered his time for junior and senior cricket for around 30 years, serving as Barrier District Cricket League (BDCL) Secretary for 24 years, and umpiring local matches since 1989.

He has been Secretary of the North Broken Hill Cricket Club since 1988, was director of the North Football Club for 25 years where he was named 'Top Dog' in 2013, and received life membership from AFLBH in 2015.

He has also received life membership of the Outback Emus and the BDCL, and in 2015 the BDCL struck a medal to recognise the best A-Grade player in the city and named it the Denis Watts Medal.

Mr Watts still serves as Secretary of the Norm Fox Sporting Complex Management Committee after 26 years in the role, and was awarded a Citizenship Certificate in 2002 by Broken Hill City Council.

Mayor Darriea Turley predicted Mr Watts would be a popular winner of the night's top accolade.

"I think almost everyone involved in local cricket or football would know Denis and appreciate his contribution to local sport, particularly at junior levels," she said.

"He's willing to undertake any role, he's served as a director, organiser, umpire, scorer, timekeeper, and everything in between.

"Denis combines tireless dedication with a happy disposition, and this has rightfully made him one of the most popular and valued figures in local sport.

"On behalf of the Broken Hill community I wish to congratulate Denis on this prestigious honour, and all other winners on the night."

Council wishes to thank all volunteers who give their time to better our community.

Anyone wishing to find out more about volunteering or join a local volunteer group are encouraged to visit the Volunteer Expo this weekend.

The Expo will run from 9am-midday at the Civic Centre on September 8, and will feature numerous organisations showcasing their services and the ways they can help you to assist our community.

All volunteer organisations are also encouraged to contact Council to ensure their details are up to date, and they receive information related to volunteering in a timely manner.

Details can be e-mailed to [email protected], and organisations can sign up to the Council newsletter to receive news and updates at http://eepurl.com/daPH_9.

Full list of winners from tonight's Awards ceremony:

Community – Individual – Charmaine Collins

Community – Group or Organisation – Rotary Club of Broken Hill South

Environment – Friends of the Flora and Fauna of the Barrier Ranges

Sporting – Denis Watts

Cultural – Marilyn Harris

Event – Broken Hill Heritage Festival

Tourism – Broken Hill Heritage Walk Tour Group

Youth – Zahli Finch

People’s Choice – Colin Fenton

Nydia Edes Hall of Fame Inductee - Denis Watts