Ask anyone on the Bellarine, or greater Geelong for that matter, who is interested in cricket and chances are they know Ian Caldwell.
The Belmont resident loves the game and it’s that passion that resulted in him being the recipient of an OAM this week.
A veteran of more than 500 games for his beloved Portarlington Cricket Club, Mr Caldwell’s presence as a player, administrator and umpire is well known throughout the region.
Mr Caldwell still plays – for Geelong Seniors – and has been president of the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association since 2013.
He is a life member of Portarlington and the BPCA and is Director of the Victorian Country Cricket League Barwon Region.
But despite the decades playing, overseeing and umpiring the sport he loves, it’s the people along the way that have made it worthwhile.
“The opportunity to meet wonderful people and form friendships has been the best part,” he said.
“When I go down to Port at the beginning of the season and catch up with friends, you’re catching up with family. It adds quality to your life.
“As a custodian of the game it’s up to you to do good and leave the status of the game in the same condition if not better.”
Mr Caldwell said the nomination came as a “total surprise”.
“I was in a bit of a state of shock,” he said.
“It’s not something that you’re expecting. I’m the fifth person connected with Port to get a national award.”
Other than cricket, Mr Caldwell is currently treasurer of Geelong Friends of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and has been secretary of the American Civil War Roundtable of Australia for 12 years.
