Passion for sport gives cricket club helps create a thriving community
She’s never picked up a bat in competition — yet Leanne McAllister is changing the face of local cricket.
When the Glasshouse Districts Cricket Club launched its first senior women’s team a few seasons ago, it was more than just a new side taking the field — it was a cultural shift for a club long dominated by men.
At the centre of it all was volunteer powerhouse Leanne McAllister, who doesn’t even play the sport herself.
“I think the most exciting thing we’ve had happen is getting a senior women’s team up and running,” Leanne said.
“A lot of the women who were part of the club played in the men’s teams. Now we’ve got wives, girlfriends and girls from juniors stepping in — it’s awesome to see that different dynamic.”
Leanne has been embedded in the Glass House Mountains grassroots sporting community for more than a decade.
She first got involved with the cricket club in 2012 when her three sons began playing.
“When we first joined, I just got roped into helping out with the teams,” she said.
“I started scoring and managing a team, joined the committee, and then everything snowballed from there.
“I ended up doing all the cliché things like selling raffle tickets to raise money for the club.”
Her service has spanned junior coaching, secretary, operations manager and now bookings and grants officer for the Glasshouse Mountains Sports Club — a role that connects her even more deeply with the local sporting scene.
“It’s good fun with all the lovely people that help out,” she said.
“We do a lot of canteen work for inter-school sports.
“You meet volunteers you don’t normally see and it’s great to find out what everyone else does, make those connections.”
Leanne’s commitment goes beyond cricket. She’s volunteered for the Elimbah Sports Club, spent about 12 years on the Elimbah State School P&C, and served on the Caboolture High School council and P&C.
While she doesn’t normally step onto the pitch, Leanne has been known to fill in for the senior women’s cricket team when they’re short a player.
Her dedication, she says, comes from a simple place — wanting to see sport in the hinterland thrive.
Her track record shows it’s working. From boosting junior programs to making space for more women in cricket, Leanne is proof that you don’t need to wear the uniform to change the game.
Leanne’s tireless service was recognised when she was named a Glass House Great by local MP Andrew Powell last month.
Mr Powell said her project management expertise in securing vital upgrades for the Glasshouse Districts Cricket Club was just one of her skills. She was now working closely with the Glasshouse Mountains Sports Club to help connect schools, sporting groups and the community.
