Ferntree Gully News was incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of young cricketer Ben Austin. Ben was a member of the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and was training at Wally Tew Reserve when the incident occurred.

Ben’s tragic accident has deeply affected not just the cricketing community, but the wider community as a whole, reminding us how quickly life can change and how strong we can be when we stand together.

Lee Thompson, President of Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, has written a tribute for Ben:

Tribute for Ben

On Thursday 30 October a young, aspiring cricketer Ben Austin passed away after a tragic accident sustained whilst playing the game he loved.

A passionate and talented sportsman, Ben was the adored son of Jace and Tracey, deeply loved brother of Cooper and Zach, a shining light in the lives of family and friends and a highly respected member of the Victorian cricket community including the Ferntree Gully, Mulgrave and Elidon Park Cricket Clubs.

The Austin family and the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club have been incredibly humbled by the sheer number of heartfelt messages, emails, social media posts and visits to the tribute for Ben at the cricket nets at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully.

In the 140+ year history of the FTGCC we have never had to endure such a tragedy and we hope that we nor any other cricket club ever do so again. The cricket community is a special one which we are all part of and the last month has shown that.

Thanks to everyone not only locally but all-around Australia and the cricketing world for your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.

Lee Thompson is President of Ferntree Gully Cricket Club Est. 1882