Hervey Bay Cricket Association life member Julie Hauritz dies aged 68

The cricket community has paid touching tribute to the mother of former Australian cricketer Nathan Hauritz who is being remembered for her lifelong dedication to the game she loved and those who played it.

Hervey Bay Cricket Association life members Terry and Julie Hauritz. Ms Hauritz passed away after a battle with cancer on Friday, January 5, aged 68.

A much-loved mother who dedicated her life to the cricket community and watched her son play for his country is being remembered for her outstanding contribution to the sport.

Former South Burnett woman turned Hervey Bay Cricket Association life member Julie Hauritz passed away after a battle with cancer on Friday, January 5, aged 68.

She was the mother of former Australian cricketer and off-spin bowler Nathan Hauritz, who captured 128 international wickets for Australia, with 63 in both Test matches and One Day Internationals, as well as two in Twenty20 Internationals before becoming a Brisbane-based coach.

Former Australian cricketer Nathan Hauritz played for the Hervey Bay Cricket Association at junior levels.

She was also the wife of Terry, a fellow life member of the Hervey Bay Cricket Association and current umpire on the Fraser Coast and mother of Simone, who was involved with the association in her younger years.

In a statement, the Hervey Bay Cricket Association announced her passing with “great sadness” on Saturday.

“Julie is one of the most valued volunteers the Hervey Bay Cricket Association has, dedicating many years, days, hours to supporting cricket in Hervey Bay,” the statement read.

“Julie spent countless hours in the canteen, helping with renovations around the club and anything she could do to help cricket in Hervey Bay.

Nathan Hauritz day at Hervey Bay cricket grounds – the opening of Hauritz Oval. (L) Nathan, Julie, Dianne, Simone Weekes and Terry. Photo: Alistair Brightman / Fraser Coast Chronicle

“The work Julie has done for the association will never be forgotten and she is one of a kind that cannot be replaced.”

Former secretary and player at the Hervey Bay Cricket Association Shane Bradbury said Ms Hauritz was a great servant of the local cricket community.

“Julie was a lovely person, loved cricket, loved making sure that everyone was having a good time out in the field, she was a beautiful person at heart,” Mr Bradbury said.

“You knew where you stood with Julie, she was not backwards.

“She dedicated a great part of her life to cricket and to our club and community, the countless hours and behind the scenes work that she’s done will be greatly missed.”

In a mark of respect, Ms Hauritz was honoured in Saturday’s clash between the Bushrangers Gold and Cavaliers Black in the Fraser Coast Senior Competition, with players observing a minute’s silence before the commencement of play and wearing of black armbands.

Julie Hauritz is being remembered for her lifelong contribution to the cricket community.

Cricketers pay their respects to the late Julie Hauritz.

Originally published as Hervey Bay Cricket Association life member Julie Hauritz dies aged 68