Mark Rushton - wonder leader in Hornsby Ku-ring-gai & Hills District Cricket Association and Blowfly Cricket

Today’s photos shine a spotlight on Mark Rushton who has been a wonderful leader in Hornsby Ku-ring-gai & Hills District Cricket Association and Blowfly Cricket.

 Mark is best known as the Founder of Blowfly Cricket (children & adults with special needs) in 2009 and the driving force behind the organisation for 12 years, achieving strategic growth, youth development, coach accreditation, sponsorship and community support. If you attend any of their cricket programs or community activities, such as their fund-raising BBQs Bunnings Thornleigh, you will see the enjoyment of the participants, and personal development through empowerment, allocation of responsibilities, guidance and individual mentoring.

Mark was inducted as a Life Member of Blowfly Cricket in 2019. His great work with the Blowies led to him being presented with The Centre for Volunteering NSW Volunteer of the Year Award on 4-Dec-15 out of over 7,000 nominations.

He was HK&HDCA President from 2007-08 to 2010-11, and Rep. Secretary from 2001-02 to 2005-06. He was inducted as the 48th Life Member of HK&HDCA in 2012.

He is a Cricket Australia Representative (Level 2) accredited coach who coached six Hornsby District Cricket Club teams (U11 – U16) between 1996 – 2002, plus the HK&HDCA U14 Moore and U15 Weblin Shield rep. teams (2000–02).

He was also a highly regarded cricket umpire who officiated several HK&HDCA A Grade Finals, rep. matches, and RTC fixtures.

Mark has played a significant role with the Coaches' Association. He was the ‘brainchild’ behind the formation of HKHDCCA when he arranged a coffee meeting with Bruce Wood and Mike Langford (Drifter) in June 2010 and pitched a proposal to set up a new not-for-profit coaching body to assist Hornsby Ku-ring-gai & Hills District Cricket Association, Northern District Cricket Club and surrounding districts. He was V-P of the Coaches' Association (2010 - 2012), and has been a Patron since 2015-16. The Coaches' Association was delighted to induct Mark as our fourth Life Member in April 2020.

Mark Rushton has faced considerable adversity, including some major health challenges, however he always maintains a positive approach to life and helping others. We salute his amazing efforts.