The nomination was put forward by Cricket NSW, following a successful year of outstanding cricket events being held across the city.
In 2022, AlburyCity hosted numerous cricket events, including the KFC Big Bash on New Year's Eve, which saw Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes go head to head at Lavington Sports Ground. This event was a resounding success, drawing a crowd of over 10,000 people from across the region. AlburyCity also hosted community events in the lead up to the game, with Sydney Thunder kid’s clinics held in QEII Square, and school visits promoting the game.
An important event for the community was the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cup in April, which saw Indigenous teams from NSW and Victoria come together with stars from the Sydney Thunder, Sydney Sixers, Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars. The event included cultural immersions such as smoking and barefoot circle ceremonies, bringing the community together to experience the city's vibrant Indigenous culture.
During March, Lavington Sports Ground hosted the Sheffield Shield Match between NSW and Victoria. Council also hosted the Second XI match between NSW/ACT and Victoria at Alexandria Park in partnership with Cricket Albury Wodonga, and co-hosted the Cricket Victoria Country Week Representative Carnival.
AlburyCity Mayor Kylie King said she was honoured to see the hard work of the Council teams recognised at the awards.
"Our team is focused on partnering with local and state sporting bodies to bring a range of exciting sporting events to our community," Mayor King said.
"I've been thrilled to see our new state-of-the-art facilities at the Lavington Sports Ground attracting both state and national attention, showing the country just what Albury is capable of on the sporting stage."
Lee Germon, Cricket NSW CEO, said “This recognition for AlburyCity for Local Council of the Year is a fitting reward for the foresight and commitment they have shown to host and promote elite sporting content in Albury.”
“Cricket NSW and Sydney Thunder were fortunate to play a number of ‘home’ matches at Lavington Sports Ground last summer and the support from council and the community was first class.
“We look forward to continuing the relationship between AlburyCity and Cricket NSW.”
Find out more about the awards on the Sport NSW website.