Queen’s Birthday Honour: Humble Martin Klumpp awarded OAM for services to Bankstown cricket
Cricket tragic and dedicated club administrator Martin Klumpp says his surprise OAM honour is for all the volunteers at Bankstown Cricket Club.
Martin Klumpp, the veteran cricket administrator at Bankstown District Cricket Club, is embarrassed by all the attention he is receiving after being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
The 66-year-old Picnic Point resident has been involved with the award-winning club since 1976, becoming secretary for what was initially a three-month temporary post, “until they found someone else”.
Mr Klumpp is still secretary and feels he was bowled a clever wrong’un by his old friend and respected official Brian Freedman, who has served on the Australian and NSW cricket administrations.
“To be frank, It’s very embarrassing to be presented this honour because it is a team effort at our club,” said Mr Klumpp, who was reluctant to accept it initially.
“But it is obviously terrific to be given this honour and I certainly could not do the job without the help from the long-standing volunteers.
“Club president Brian Freedman, one of the most respected cricket officials in Australia, appointed me acting secretary in 1986 and I have still have not been replaced, though he always tells me he is still looking.
“Brian and treasurer Eric Dignam are among the most senior officials at Bankstown Cricket Club and together the three of us have more than 100 years involvement in the club.
“I am accepting this on behalf of all the volunteers at Bankstown cricket and sporting clubs.”
Mr Klumpp, who is also assistant secretary at the Bankstown Women’s Cricket Club, is married to Maureen and they have three children, Kylie, Aaron and Bevan, and four grandchildren.
He has lived his whole life in Bankstown, representing the club for several years, saying he was “a very humble lower level player and journeyman cricketer from 1976-87”.
Six years ago Mr Klumpp joined the Bankstown Sports Cycling Club and regularly rides in their races. He also represented them at the 2018 NSW team time trials, a 40km event.
“The club has a great group of people and has regular road races at the Lansdowne circuit in Georges Hall and also criterium racing at Dunc Gray Velodrome,” Mr Klummp said.
“We try our best but we’re there for the fun of participating not necessarily to stand on the podium.”
Mr Klumpp, a director at Bankstown Sports, said he is proud to have been a part of the dynamic club which has produced Australian greats, including Steve and Mark Waugh.
“During my time as secretary the club has produced 15 first class cricketers, headed by the Waugh twins, and this is very exciting for everyone,” he said.
“We are proud that we have developed Memorial Oval as a high-class ground which can host first class matches.
“This year we will be hosting the Pakistan v Australian XI in a T20 warm-up game and a women’s Big Bash match, both in October, so it’s very exciting times for us.
“This is also really good for Bankstown.”
IN OTHER NEWS
ACHIEVEMENTS
Martin Henry Klumpp, Awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division for service to cricket.
■ Bankstown District Cricket Club
■ Honorary Secretary, since 1986.
■ Assistant Secretary, 1981-1986.
■ Committee Member, 1978-1981.
■ Player, 1976-1987.
■ Life Member.
■ Bankstown Women’s Cricket Club, assistant secretary, since 2006.
■ Bankstown Sports Club director, since 2013.
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