Stephen O’Keefe and Melanoma March take out Australia Day Awards

We are very proud of many of the people within both the Manly Warringah Waratahs cricket family and the wider cricket family on the Northern Beaches. But there aren’t too many prouder moments than at the recent Manly Australia Day awards held on Monday 26th January.

Manly and Test All-rounder Stephen O’Keefe was named Manly’s sportsperson of the year. SOK of course made his long awaited Test debut (baggy green number 439) this year over in the United Arab Emirates and performed extremely well. SOK of course also continues to show how a professional sportsman should act and behave as a role model for alot of the cricket fans on the Northern Beaches. SOK was presented with his award by Manly Mayor and Manly Warringah Waratah patron Jean Hay.

“Steve was also an integral part of the Sydney Sixer’s side that won the 2011-2012 Big Bash title and Champions League title,” said Mayor Hay.

“He finished last season as the leading wicket-taker in the Sheffield Shield, with 41 wickets at the impressive average of 20. His consistent performances throughout the season earned him a call-up to Australia’s Test squad for the Pakistan series in the UAE.”

Also winning an award was the Melanoma March. This is a walk from the heart of Manly towards Lagoon Park and back again, and is a 4km round trip. All participants are encouraged to raise funds for the event.

This is a charity very close to the heart of James Economides from sponsor Red Property. James son passed away a few years ago from skin cancer, and James has been a skin cancer advocate ever since.

Throughout the month of March, leading up to the event in collaboration with Melanoma Institute Australia, an awareness campaign showing the dangers of Melanoma is publicised through print and social media as well as involving partners and many businesses in the local community who assist in raising funds for Melanoma Institute Australia. The Melanoma March raised over $200,000 in 2014.

In 2014 local business Mambo helped out by creating art for a bandana produced to sell to raise funds. We are pleased to say that the Manly Warringah Waratahs purchased a bandana for all 55 grade players. James accepted the award from Manly Mayor Jean Hay and fellow Manly Warringah Waratah patron, NSW Premier Mike Baird, on behalf of the Melanoma Institute.