Cricket coach’s contribution
'I was always happy to put something back into the game that I enjoyed.'
This year’s Glen Eira Citizen of the Year award has been given to cricket fanatic Ian Isaacs, for his contributions to the community.
Isaacs was nominated by the Mackie Cricket Club, which is fitting due to his lifelong connection and love for the sport.
He has spent more than 50 years volunteering to support the administration of grassroots cricket in his community.
Isaacs started playing cricket at Hakoah Ajax, saying, “I’ve always been a cricket fan.”
However, Isaacs lost the sight in his left eye in 1965. “So my playing days didn’t go as long as I hoped for,” he said.
His vision didn’t deter his involvement in the sport as he looked after the under-14s inter-competition at Hakoah Ajax for 20 seasons, saying, “I’ve had a few people that have gone on to play for Victoria and Australia come through the ranks.
“I was always happy to put something back into the game that I enjoyed,” he shared.
Because of his contribution, Hakoah Ajax renamed the under 14 A grade shield in his name.
Isaacs also volunteers in the medical field, acting as a role player for overseas medical students. As an adult diabetic, Isaacs plays that role to students and they then have to diagnose him.
When he first heard he had won the Glen Eira Citizen of the Year award, “it came as a real shock”.
“I thought it was friends of mine just pulling my leg,” adding “I didn’t care if I won or not just being nominated was an honour.”
Isaacs also shared that the most rewarding part of his cricket career has been “the amount of friendships that I made along the lines”, as well as “contributing back to the community and helping people”.
“Cricket was good to me, so I wanted to be good back to cricket.”