SA Footy

Adelaide Oval Curator Les Burdett was today awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

Shown below is the official citation of the Governor-General.

Mr Leslie Underwood (Les) BURDETT, Adelaide SA 5000
For service to the turf management industry as a grounds and ovals curator and through contributions to the development of new grasses and soils technology, and to the community.
Oval Manager, South Australian Cricket Association (particularly Adelaide Oval), since 1980; in charge of 12 hectares of turf, 5 cricket pitch squares, 2 bowling greens, 65 practice pitches, 6 grass tennis courts; Curator, 1978-1980; Assistant Manager, 1976-1978; employee of the South Australian Cricket Association, since 1969; has prepared 30 Test pitches.
Invited to oversee the preparation of pitches for the 1987 World Cup in India; plus invitations from England, South Africa and New Zealand Cricket Associations for assistance and advice.
Assists with regional and suburban pitches.
Consultant to Cricket Australia and the International Cricket Council.
Consultant to inter alia State Government for preparation of pitches for Olympic Soccer at Hindmarsh Stadium, 2000; Tennis South Australia regarding advice on court preparation; and Australian Football League regarding ground preparation.
President, SA Turf Curators and Ground Staff Association, for 5 years; Founding Member, 1981.
Associate Fellow, Royal Australian Institute of Parks and Recreation (now Parks and Leisure Australia).
Assisted in the establishment of ‘Hooked on Cricket’ fundraiser for charity.
Assists with Variety Bash and the Children's Charity Biggest Backyard BBQ.
Awards/recognition includes:
Centenary Medal, 2001.
Inaugural recipient, South Australian Turf Management Award.

(No mention of the West End commercials though!).

Congratulations Les!

Congrats to Les

The name Les Burdett is iconic in Cricket circles and that shows in how he is regarded in his field - for someone who didn't even play first class cricket, he is know right around the world.

One of only a Handful of blokes at SACA atm that has consistently maintained a High standard in his role over a Period of time. F--K, He's SO GOOD, I think that he would even Coach the Redbacks to a Shield or two.

Congratulations on the OAM Les One of True Legends of SA Cricket.

Being a Curator myself, looking after Turf pitches at a country ground for the last 25 years, Les has regularly found time to come out and offer advice and encouragement to myself and other clubs nearby despite his busy schedule and is one of the Greatest Blokes to have a West End or three with.