New Cricket Illawarra president Allan Bradford is determined to provide the organisation with a fresh strategic direction after stepping into the role on Monday night.
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The association had been without an official leader for the past two seasons since Mark Johnston stepped down in 2018.
Throughout that period the tasks associated with running the competition have fallen on administrator Glenn Bridge, who has led Cricket Illawarra despite a heavy workload.
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A Wests life member and former president of the club, Bradford has observed the sport since returning to Wollongong two years ago.
Now, he feels, is the right time to step in to lead the association.
"My big focus will be on forming a clear direction for where cricket in the Illawarra is going," Bradford said.
"That hasn't been particularly clear in the last two to three years.
"After Mark stepped down as president, the management committee has operated pretty well but without that strategic direction. That's an area I've got to fill.
"I haven't got the answers right now, but within the next few years we've got to be seen by the cricket fraternity as a place to play cricket, that's well-run, organised and with great facilities."
One of Bradford's biggest focuses will be ensuring North Dalton Park hosts elite matches on a regular basis.
Sheffield Shield, Futures League and Women's Big Bash fixtures have been played at the venue in recent years, however there is no firm pattern for awarding games to Wollongong.
The region has received rave reviews each time it has hosted a high-level fixture.
Given the facilities on offer, Bradford is determined to ensure the Illawarra is among the first choices when administrators are scheduling matches.
"We've got a fantastic city with great facilities that's just far enough from Sydney to be different. We've got something to offer here that's special.
"I'll be working with Wollongong Council, North Dalton Park Trust, Destination Wollongong and Cricket NSW to ensure those high-level matches take place.
"I'd like to get us at the forefront of cricket outside Sydney, even competing with Sydney.
"We've had some good chats already with Cricket NSW, they've shown support for us. I'd love to see at least one BBL and WBBL game here each season."
With a desire to grow cricket in the region and raise the profile of Cricket Illawarra around the state, Bradford is eager to work closely with Cricket NSW throughout his tenure.
"One of the things I bring is that I know people, but I've also been out of the area for eight or nine years. I have that distance from recent history, which means I can pragmatically look at what we're trying to achieve and what we're doing.
"It is very important that Cricket Illawarra is part of the greater Australian cricket family and is respected, trusted and ideally admired. That's where we will get to, no question."