Cricket in Queensland isn’t just a sport; it’s a community built on passion, dedication, and countless hours of volunteer work. Across the region, there are individuals who go above and beyond to ensure the game continues to flourish, whether on the field or behind the scenes. Three such individuals—Danny Shepperson, Paul Wruck, and Anneka Lickiss—have dedicated years of their lives to the sport, creating lasting legacies for both young and seasoned cricketers. These incredible volunteers have all been nominated for the prestigious Queensland Cricket Volunteer of the Year Award, with the winner to be announced at the annual Awards Gala tomorrow night, 3 April.
Volunteers Who Make Cricket in Queensland Thrive: Stories from Danny, Paul, and Anneka
Danny Shepperson: The Heart of Gympie Cricket
Known by most as Sheppo, Danny Shepperson’s contributions to cricket in Gympie are unparalleled. With 40 years of playing experience and over 30 years of volunteering, Danny has touched nearly every aspect of the local cricket scene. From coaching to driving the team bus, rolling wickets, serving in the canteen, and even locking up the clubhouse, Danny has done it all.
“My love for cricket is simple, really,” Danny says when asked why he volunteers. “It’s all about the game. Helping the next generation of players and ensuring they have the best experience possible—that’s what drives me.”
Danny’s commitment is not only on the field but extends to his administrative roles, including his time as Treasurer of both the Harlequins Cricket Club and the Gympie Regional Cricket Association, and his current position as the President of the Gympie Regional Cricket Association. His leadership was particularly tested in 2022 when Gympie’s cricket grounds were hit by three floods, including the largest in living memory. During these challenging times, Danny stepped up to design and build a housing solution for the association’s electronic scoreboard, ensuring it could be raised and lowered as needed and moved during floods.
For Danny, it’s about giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his cricketing career, “I’ve been awarded Life Memberships from Harlequins and the Gympie Regional Cricket Association for my contributions, but it’s the smiles on the faces of the players I coach that mean the most to me.”
Paul Wruck: A Passion for Junior Cricket
Paul Wruck’s love for cricket began when he was just a boy, introduced to the sport by a family friend. The experience of Saturday morning games, the smell of the grass, and the thrill of the game quickly turned Paul into a cricket tragic by the age of 12. Now, as the Junior Vice President of Caloundra Cricket Club on the Sunshine Coast, he’s focused on fostering the same passion in the next generation.
“My goal is to give young cricketers the best possible experience,” Paul shares. “I’m lucky to have a fantastic team of volunteers, and together, we’ve revamped our junior programs. Seeing over a hundred kids on Roy Henzell Oval on Friday nights, running around, learning the game, and enjoying every moment—it’s an incredible feeling.”
Paul is particularly proud of his work in strengthening the u10s, Cricket Blast and girls' programs. The partnership with Cricket Queensland and local sponsorships, including Sunshine Toyota, has allowed these initiatives to thrive.
“For me, it’s all about the community. I want these kids to get the same joy I did from cricket. It’s magical to see them light up after hitting a six or taking a wicket.”
As Paul looks to the future, he believes that access to professional cricketers will be key to sustaining the sport's growth at the grassroots level. “I’m hoping that with the upcoming Ashes season, we’ll see a spike in interest and opportunities for young players. We need to keep Australian cricket alive and well at every level.”
Anneka Lickiss: Championing Women’s Cricket
Anneka’s cricket journey is as much about community as it is about personal growth. A stay-at-home mum with a passion for socialising and sports, Anneka found herself drawn into cricket through her husband, Jack, and his family. Initially watching from the sidelines, her involvement gradually grew, and she’s now a leader in the growing women’s cricket scene in Queensland.
“I never planned on playing cricket, but now it’s something I look forward to every week,” Anneka reflects. “Cricket has allowed me to make lifelong friends and create a space for other women to get involved in the sport.”
Anneka has spent years volunteering at Helensvale Cricket Club, starting behind the bar and then transitioning into coaching roles. When the opportunity to develop a women’s social cricket competition arose, Anneka eagerly took on the challenge. In just one season, the competition grew from six teams to an impressive 18, showing that women are hungry for more opportunities in the sport.
One of Anneka’s proudest moments came when she played alongside her sisters, competing against other women in their 40s and 50s who had never had the chance to play cricket together before.
“That moment was a real eye-opener for me,” she says. “It proved that there’s a huge desire among women to play, but we need to provide the opportunities.”
Anneka’s focus is on creating pathways for young girls to progress through the ranks, from local cricket to professional levels. She’s also working to address challenges such as the cost of cricket gear and the juggle between career and family commitments that many women face.
“I want to see a future where women have equal opportunities in cricket, both at the grassroots and professional levels. Whether it's through stronger social competitions or better access to coaching, we need to ensure that women can showcase their talents.”