David Smith (Bean, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish to acknowledge Olivia Thornton, who is concluding her time as Chief Executive Officer of Cricket ACT, marking the end of an extraordinary period of leadership for the organisation and for cricket in the territory. Olivia has led Cricket ACT through one of the most defining chapters in its history and is leaving the organisation stronger and more connected and well positioned for the future.

Olivia played most of her club cricket in Sydney, playing pathways and state-level cricket in New South Wales, with a stint over in county cricket for Nottingham. As Cricket ACT's first female CEO, she broke new ground while delivering results—from record participation growth across boys' and girls' cricket, to the reinstatement of ACT pathway teams, strengthening community engagement throughout Canberra. A highlight for me was working with Olivia to secure upgrades to facilities at Chisholm Oval to ensure the oval can remain one of the ACT's stand-out grounds. Her commitment to ensuring cricket has impact beyond the boundary, through partnerships with charities and community organisations, has been a hallmark of her tenure.

I thank Olivia for her service to the Canberra community and I wish her every success as CEO of Tennis NSW. She is a first-class cricketer and first-class person. Let's continue Olivia's work to get that Big Bash team here in Canberra.