Aaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

This morning, my community and the cricket community across Australia woke to the devastating news that Ben Austin was taken too soon. He was 17 and doing what he loved: playing cricket. Ben was actively involved in the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, the Mulgrave Cricket Club and the Eildon Park Cricket Club. He played representative cricket, and he captained his side to a premiership for the Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association. He started his cricket with Ferntree Gully juniors in 2018-19. He also turned out for Croydon and Lyndale teams, where he was a premiership player for the Dandenong District Cricket Association. He was well respected and liked by all who knew him. He was, as an emerging bowler and batter, a star cricketer. In March this year, Ben received the Brian Wright Trophy, a trophy awarded to the junior player who shows the correct attitude and dedication to playing the game. The game of cricket is Australia's national game. I, and so many others, have spent countless Tuesday afternoons at the nets playing cricket. That last Tuesday turned to a tragic day is heartbreaking for all of us who have played the game, and for all Australians. Rest in peace, Ben. I offer my deepest condolences to his dad, Jace, his mum, Tracey, and his brothers, Cooper and Zach.

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