A memorial service will be held at Melbourne’s Junction Oval on 20 November from 11am to farewell 17-year-old cricketer Ben Austin, whose passing last month has deeply touched Victoria’s sporting community.
Ben was struck in the neck while batting in the nets at Ferntree Gully’s Wally Tew Reserve on 28 October and died soon after. His loss has united teammates, coaches, and supporters across cricket and football, where he was admired for his talent, humility, and leadership.
Ben’s father, Jace Austin, told the Herald Sun the family was grateful to Cricket Victoria for helping to arrange the service at a ground that meant a great deal to his son. “He went to the Junction any time he could to watch any form of cricket,” he said, adding that Ben “absolutely loved” the game and the venue where he trained as a junior.
Cricket Victoria staff, including CEO Nick Cummins, have supported the family through the arrangements. The Collingwood Football Club has also offered the 2023 AFL Premiership Cup for use at the memorial.
Tributes have continued across the state. Ferntree Gully’s under-14 team, which includes Ben’s younger brother Zach, paused before play on Saturday morning to observe a minute’s silence. The club’s senior side did the same before its match against South Belgrave.
Yarraville Cricket Club seniors, playing Bayswater on Saturday, also observed a minute’s silence and wore black armbands in Ben’s memory, joining dozens of clubs across Victoria in paying tribute.
Ben’s initials and cap number, “BA 512,” have been painted on the oval where he trained, a lasting reminder of a young sportsman who inspired everyone who knew him.
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