November Volunteer of the Month - Carly Melbourne

NT Cricket, in partnership with AANT, is delighted to announce that Carly Melbourne from Tracy Village Cricket Club (TVCC) in Darwin has been named November’s ‘AANT Volunteer of the Month.’

Carly is a driving force at TVCC, seamlessly juggling multiple roles while going above and beyond to support her club. Officially, Carly holds three titles: Committee Member, Child Protection Officer, and Grants Officer. However, her impact extends far beyond these responsibilities, as she continually steps up wherever needed.

Whether it’s working in the canteen, photographing junior and senior presentations, scoring and umpiring junior matches, contributing to Facebook updates, or rolling up her sleeves for working bees, Carly is always the first to volunteer. Her tireless dedication makes her an indispensable part of the TVCC community.

One of Carly’s standout contributions is her work in the Child Protection space. Under her guidance, TVCC has become a leader in meeting Cricket Australia's child protection requirements. Each season, Carly runs information sessions for senior and junior parents, ensuring everyone is well-informed about this crucial topic.

Carly’s efforts in securing funding have also been transformative for TVCC. Over the years, she has successfully obtained numerous grants, including a significant $200,000 grant for new irrigation on the club’s two cricket ovals. This project, nearing completion, will benefit not just cricket but also AFL, finally bringing green grass to Tracy Village. Currently, Carly is working on another grant to install an additional cricket wicket, further enhancing the facilities.

When the club needed someone to step into the secretary role at the end of the season, Carly stepped up once again. On top of her existing responsibilities, she took on tasks like creating agendas, sending meeting invites, and taking minutes, ensuring the club’s operations continued smoothly.

Carly’s contributions don’t stop at administration. As a player in the women’s team, she frequently umpires, scores, and organise the team kits, embodying her unwavering commitment to TVCC both on and off the field.

Nominating Carly for November’s award, a club spokesperson shared:
“Carly’s dedication, hard work, and passion for the club are unmatched. She leads by example, showing what’s possible with determination and a love for the game. The irrigation project alone is a game-changer for TVCC, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Carly. We’re so lucky to have her, and we hope more people follow her lead.”

On receiving the award, Carly expressed her gratitude and highlighted the rewarding nature of volunteering:
“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized. Being part of TVCC is so fulfilling because it’s not just a club; it’s a community. Everyone plays their part, and I’m happy to do my bit to make cricket and our facilities better for everyone. It’s exciting to see the progress we’re making.”

As the November Volunteer of the Month, Carly will receive a 12-month Premium AANT Membership and a $250 United fuel voucher.

Nominations are now open for December’s AANT Volunteer of the Month. If you know a volunteer who goes above and beyond for your club, submit your nomination here.