Meet Mark Rushton, Founder and Volunteer Manager at BlowFly Cricket, whose leadership reflects the heart of bold change. In this Share Your Story – Volunteer Managers Edition feature for International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay), Mark shares how courage, inclusion and advocacy have shaped his journey and the thriving all-abilities community he leads.
Why Bold Leadership Matters in Volunteer Management
Bold leadership is an essential skill to have in managing the volunteers of our inclusive, all-abilities grassroots community club. Furthermore, bold leadership is needed to advocate for our all-abilities volunteers, to inspire action, and create conditions for our wonderful volunteers to thrive.
It involves courageous decision-making to overcome challenges and resistance, fostering our inclusive environment which in turn harnesses diverse perspectives, and taking tangible action to realise ambitious visions for social impact.
BlowFly Cricket is far-reaching as it is a one-off inclusive all-abilities club which is the benchmark for all other community cricket clubs….. all as a result of bold leadership.
Photo: SCG Experience
Proudest Achievement as a Volunteer Manager
My proudest achievement as a Volunteer Manager was when our Female Club Captain, Maddie Jones who lives with Fragile X syndrome, won the 2020 Good Sports NSW Club Champion of the Year. “The Good Sports Club Champion of the Year Award recognises the club volunteer who is the beating heart of their club. They give their all to their club and expect nothing in return, they are a local hero.”
Maddie has taken on many voluntary roles over the years and continues to inspire our all-ability members and volunteers onto greater deeds. Maddie was recently awarded Life Membership of BlowFly Cricket.
It would be amiss of me if I didn’t mention my next proudest achievement as a Volunteer Manager, being earlier this year when our oldest volunteer, 90yo Dougal Graham was awarded the 2024 Good Sports NSW Volunteer of the Year. Dougal is an inspiration to us all. At 90 years of age, he continues to give his time and energy to ensure BlowFly Cricket thrives.
Whether he’s manning the post-game BBQ, running Bunnings fundraisers, or collecting thousands of bottles and cans for our Return and Earn initiative, Dougal’s dedication is second to none.
Since 2021, he has single-handedly collected, sorted, and bagged more than 105,000 recyclable items, raising over $10,500 for our Uncoachables Coaching the Uncoachables Academy. His efforts have not only provided crucial funding but have also strengthened community ties and helped reduce our environmental impact.
Photo: JPCG Centre Group Photo – Credit: George Davis
One piece of advice for fellow Volunteer Managers
Enjoy the experience and don’t be afraid to initiate change as we live in a changing world.
Always treat other people how you, yourself would like to be treated in the same position.
View the full collection of our Share Your Story series and be inspired by the many ways Volunteer Managers are leading with courage, care, and creativity.
