Cricket stars Greg Blewett and Holly Ferling were the guest speakers at Mayor Wayne Kratzmann’s charity breakfast in Nanango on Tuesday morning

October 17, 2013

The South Burnett hosted a visit by former Australian cricketer Greg Blewett this week, and like a true all-rounder he took in a charity breakfast, cricket training and a round of golf.

His visit was sponsored by Kingaroy businessman Scott McLennan, from South Burnett Radiology, who counts Blewett as a personal friend and accompanied him on his whistlestop tour.

On Tuesday morning, Blewett was one of the guest speakers at South Burnett mayor Wayne Kratzmann’s charity breakfast held at the Nanango Cultural Centre.

He joined Kingaroy’s own cricket star, Holly Ferling, behind the mike to talk to the assembled guests.

The breakfast raised funds for the Mayor’s Charity Trust which is supporting local causes.

A polo shirt signed by the two stars was raffled to raise even more funds.

Later on Tuesday, Blewett was in more familiar surroundings … in the nets at Kingaroy’s Lyle Vidler Oval.

Half a dozen of the South Burnett’s most promising young cricketers – and veteran cricketer Nev Kratzmann who is heading overseas in February to play for Australia in an Over 60s competition – had the opportunity of getting batting tips from the former Aussie star.

And there’s no doubt about Blewett’s prowess;  he made his Test debut against England at Adelaide Oval in January 1995 where he made a century, including 12 fours.

On Wednesday, Blewett swapped his bat for a golf club, taking part in another charity fundraiser, this time for the Cancer Council of Queensland.

The more-than-competent golfer – he has represented South Australia at amateur level  – played a round of golf at Kingaroy Golf Club with local social golfers.

South Burnett juniors Adam Geiger, from Kingaroy, and Jared Sippel, from Murgon, get some batting tips in the nets from Greg Blewett   

Cheryl Dalton, from SB Care, with Ross Heaney, from the Blackbutt & Benarkin Aged Care 

Compere for the breakfast, John Carey, from Stanwell with guest speaker Holly Ferling 

Stanwell Asset Manager Jim Young with Peter Ross, from Hitachi 

Scott McLennan, from South Burnett Radiology. with veteran cricketer Nev Kratzmann