Honouring Service, Leadership and Legacy in NSW Cricket

Cricket is built on the dedication of people who give their time, expertise and passion to make the game better for everyone. This month we celebrate two remarkable individuals whose service has left a lasting impact on cricket across New South Wales, while also acknowledging key leadership milestones within the Sydney Cricket Association.

The Sydney Cricket Association (SCA) held their 40th AGM at Cricket Central on August 10.

Congratulations to Geoff Garland who was honoured with the 40th SCA Life membership for his contribution to UNSWCC, Sydney University CC and Epping Bulls CC, as well as the NSWCUSA.

Geoff has given sustained and exemplary service to our Association since joining in 1991. He served as a member of the Training Committee, Mentor, On Field Umpire Observer, Board Director and as Chairman for five years. Geoff umpired 494 men’s premier cricket fixtures, 134 of which were in first grade. He was made a Life member of NSWCUSA in 2019 and is a proud Life member of UNSWCC being the club’s inaugural first grade captain.

Paul Goldsmith was elected the new SCA Chairman for 2026-27 after Graham Gorrie stood down from the position having served with distinction for seven seasons.

Graham will continue on the SCA Committee of Management as Deputy Chairman alongside other elected committee members Warwick Adlam, Andrew Falk, Brian Freedman and Alan Wright.

Congratulations to Ben Treloar on being honoured with Life membership of NSWCUSA, becoming the 59th Life member of the Association at a Special General Meeting held on July 1.

Ben has made an outstanding contribution to the Association, on and off field. Prior to his employment as Education Officer for the NSWCUSA, Ben was a dedicated and talented volunteer trainer. His work in this space is world class. We believe Ben to be the best Umpire Educator in the world.

Ben is self-effacing, but equally determined to do what is right for NSWCUSA in helping the organisation achieve its purpose. He has given time to so many members, willing to share his experience to benefit others.

Ben has displayed significant focus and resilience in his role with the Association, successfully balancing this with his umpiring workload as a member of the Cricket Australia Contracted Umpire Panel.

He is self-reliant, possesses excellent inter-personal and communication skills, and wonderful knowledge of the Laws of Cricket. In terms of Law knowledge, application and ability to teach the Laws, Ben sets the standard.

He has displayed outstanding commitment, desire, passion, and an authentic work ethic. Ben promotes a positive image of himself and umpiring. He and his work are respected State-wide because of the incredible commitment Ben has displayed to education and development of umpires in our New South Wales Country Zones.

Ben is such a wonderful role model, a culture carrier for the NSWCUSA, and he doesn’t pick and choose when he sets example. He leads by example all the time. Ben is respected and he, what he says, his messages, are trusted. He has always been fully committed to the NSWCUSA and this is why the Board was unanimous in its view that he be made a Life member.

Congratulations to Geoff Garland and Ben Treloar on these richly deserved honours, and congratulations to Paul Goldsmith on his election as SCA Chairman.

The strength of cricket in New South Wales is shaped by people who lead, mentor, educate and serve with humility and commitment. Geoff and Ben exemplify those qualities and have made a lasting contribution to generations of players, umpires and administrators. Their achievements are worthy of recognition and celebration.