Alice Springs’ Chris Ponter awarded Cricket Australia’s Volunteer of the Year 2025
A Central Australian has taken out Cricket Australia’s top gong at the National Community Cricket Awards, named 2025’s Volunteer of the Year. Meet Chris ‘Chrispy’ Ponter here.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Federal Cricket Club’s vice-president and club legend Chris Ponter has officially been recognised as Cricket Australia’s Volunteer of the Year.
The Central Australian cricketer was chosen for the award through her transformative presence in women’s cricket in Alice Springs, through her leadership in developing competition, boosting participation and her work behind the scenes fundraising and advocating for better facilities to make cricket more accessible for women and multicultural groups.
A humble character, Ponter said she is still in shock that she has been named the winner of such a prestigious award.
“I can’t believe it myself, like you’re joking … feels like someone’s going to tell me it’s a prank” she said.
“It still hasn’t sunk in.
“I hate pats on the back and awards because I don’t do any of what I do to be recognised, I do it because it’s important and it’s what I want to do.
“It’s also a way for me to give back and help out.
“Especially in a place like Alice that has lots of external things going on and its own issues.”
One of a group of women who started the cricket competition in Alice more than 15 years ago, Ponter said once the local indoor cricket centre closed down there was no real avenue for women and young girls to play the game.
“We did play with the men but didn’t enjoy the 40 over competition, nor being pelted by beamers and hit for six each and every match,” she said.
“So we decided to affiliate ourselves with the four clubs here.
“Word quickly spread and soon mothers, sisters, aunts, grandma’s daughters everybody was getting involved and we’ve been running ever since.”
The volunteer of the year also said a major motive behind her being so passionate about growing the female game is the opportunity it provides, in particular to juniors and through the Imparja Cup.
“There are so many talented and wonderfully talented girls and ladies who play the game,” Ponter said.
“They have potential and if we can challenge them and help them grow and improve, maybe they can make it (professional) one day.
“The Imparja Cup is my favourite thing each and every year.
“It’s such a beautiful event, and we get people from all walks of life to come and attend, I love it.”
The Federal player also said she wouldn’t be where she is today if not for the support from everybody in the community.
“The support from all the local businesses who routinely throw money behind us, Federal and NT Cricket all have been huge in making women’s cricket in Alice what it is today and I know I wouldn’t be in a position to receive this award without all those people helping me.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Alice Springs’ Chris Ponter awarded Cricket Australia’s Volunteer of the Year 2025
Watch: Darwin business owner calls out ‘senseless’ damage
A Darwin business owner has called out ‘senseless’ vandalism, urging Territorians to condemn bad behaviour before it is ‘normalised’. See the video.
Cops catch second man wanted over Alice Springs servo stabbing
The second man wanted in connection to a stabbing in suburban Alice Springs – which led to security being installed in a servo – has been caught, cops say. Read the latest.