Tuesday, 18 November 2025


Members statements

Ben Austin


Daniela DE MARTINO

Ben Austin

 Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (13:19): On Saturday the member for Bayswater and I attended Wally Tew Reserve to see the start of the cricket match between Ferntree Gully and Upwey Tecoma, where the president of Ferntree Gully Cricket Club Lee Thompson spoke in tribute of and held a minute’s silence for Ben Austin, the talented 17-year-old cricketer who passed away on 30 ‍October after a tragic incident at training. Apart from being a dedicated athlete and a representative-level player, Ben was an admired teammate, known for his leadership and sportsmanship and loved by so many. Our thoughts are with his parents Jace and Tracey, his brothers Cooper and Zac and his friends and teammates as they navigate their way through this heartbreaking loss. May the beautiful memories of Ben be a balm for their aching hearts.