Foundation Member of Northern Territory Cricket and stalwart of the game in the Territory, Ralph Wiese was today awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contribution for cricket and secondary education.
Ralph was not only a foundation member of the Northern Territory Cricket Association in 1978 but also served as Vice-President from 1978-85, President from 1985-2002 and was the Chairman of selectors from 2013 up until 2017.
From 1978 to 1988 Ralph was the President of the Darwin and Districts Cricket Association and in 1995 the Association's Best and Fairest Premier Grade Player Award was renamed to the 'Ralph Wiese Medal'.
In 2006, Ralph was awarded Life Membership of Northern Territory Cricket and is still an active member today.
Ralph's love for his cricket club, Waratah, extended to the Football and Sports Club where he is a life member of all three.
Ralph found ties between his love of sport and education. His career within the education sector, which started as a teacher at Darwin High School and finished within the Department of Education as Deputy Chief Executive, also saw him the Inaugural President of the Northern Territory Secondary School Sports Association in 1976.
Ralph is one of 1,042 Australians recognised today as part of the 2024 Australia Day Honours.