Vale Graham Reed

NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association | November 07, 2025

The New South Wales Cricket Community is mourning the passing of Graham Reed OAM, aged 91.

Mr Reed was Co-Patron of New South Wales Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association (NSWCUSA). He joined the NSWCUSA in 1964.

He played cricket at first grade level for Sydney University (cap no. 402) in the Sydney Cricket Association (SCA) and represented Mosman and Northern District.

Graham Reed

Mr Reed became an umpire following his playing career, officiating at first-class level on 13 occasions which included international tour matches:

·      New South Wales v Sri Lankans at Manuka Oval, Canberra in 1989

·      New South Wales v Indians at Oakes Oval, Lismore in 1991

Mr Reed umpired four Tests:

·      Australia Young Cricketers v West Indies Young Cricketers at North Sydney Oval in 1988

·      Australia Young Cricketers v England Young Cricketers at North Sydney Oval in 1990

·      Australia Women v India Women at North Sydney Oval in 1991

·      Australia Women v England Women at North Sydney Oval in 1992

He also umpired three matches in One Day Domestic Cup, including the 1987-88 McDonald’s Cup semi final between New South Wales and Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Graham Reed (left) with Ian Thomas

In the Sydney Cricket Association, Mr Reed officiated 161 matches including 80 matches in first grade.

Mr Reed gave outstanding service to cricket and match officiating long after his retirement as an active umpire.

He was the Cricket Australia Umpire Coach for New South Wales and then served as a Cricket Australia Match Referee officiating:

·      Five women’s Limited Overs Internationals

·      Five Sheffield Shield matches

·      Five matches in the One Day Domestic Cup

·      Five matches in the T20 Big Bash

·      17 matches in the Women’s National Cricket League

·      14 matches in the Women’s Big Bash League

Mr Reed was an honorary SCA umpire observer for 33 consecutive seasons, exceptional service and advice provided to premier cricket umpires as he selflessly assisted them with their learning and development, and supported the NSWCUSA and SCA in improving umpiring standards. He also served on NSWCUSA Committees, the NSWCUSA Executive, and as a member of the NSWCUSA Coaching Panel, all on a voluntary basis.

Mr Reed received various awards and honours:

·      NSWCUSA George Borwick Memorial Award in season 1984-85

·      Life membership of the NSWCUSA in 2000

·      Inducted to the NSWCUSA Hall of Fame in 2016

·      Life Membership of the SCA in 2023

·      The Medal of the Order of Australia for service to cricket in 2023

Brian Booth with Graham Reed

Above and beyond the raw statistics and his considerable achievements, Graham Reed was the most exemplary person and such a highly respected man and umpire. He was appreciated for the quality of his decision making under pressure, his exemplary people and communication skills, his ability to positively and proactively manage cricket players and matches, his remarkable volunteer service to the umpiring community, his always positive attitude, his willingness to share experience to benefit others, his resilience, and his integrity. Graham Reed was a selfless and humble person and leader, one of the most genuine people you could hope to meet.

To live in the hearts of others is never to die. Graham Reed will live in the hearts of the many who he gently touched, guided and influenced.

Mr Reed is survived by his wife Jo to whom we extend our deepest sympathy on his passing.

May Graham Reed OAM rest in peace.

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