To couple with his presidential role, Smee will be the Macleay representation on the Mid North Coast Cricket Council as treasurer.

The cancellation of community sport until a desired 80% vaccination rate throughout the state meant a return to play date presented an unknown.

"The COVID lockdowns have been hard on everyone, and we are still waiting for the greenlight to be given for a return to community sport," Mr Smee explained on Wednesday.

"Hopefully we will have a better idea after this week as we believe community sport is on the State governments agenda.

"At this stage we expect to start late October or early November but this is always changing."

Today (Friday September 24), Cricket NSW released a statement outlining a recommendation to prepare for a return to play date of October 16 with training from October 11.

This will depend on Kempsey's current lockdown situation.

The requirement of vaccinations to play hasn't been been confirmed, according to the president.

"There was some talk that those returning to sport will have to be double vaccinated, it's only a discussion point at this stage and it's my understanding it's not set in stone just yet," he said.

"We haven't got any official notification."

Presently the association is working closely with clubs and stake holders to get everything ready for the upcoming season.

"The clubs and association are working on their facilities to make sure they are ready to go when possible," he said.

"I believe Rovers will have two sides in first grade this year because of their Premier League coming back, we're still negotiating how to put that together.. at the moment it looks like a five-team competition with Nulla, South West Rocks and Frederickton.

"Depending on when we start and season length, these things can change so we've left the decision making around team nominations open at this stage because we can't really set programs and fixtures until we know the specifics of a return to sport."

The association has some new personnel with Smee returning and Belinda Mainey taking over the role as junior coordinator.

Jordan Best from Cricket NSW is acting as administrator.

"We have been very lucky with the quality of people we had involved over the years and this year we again are thankful to those helping out," Mr Smee added.

"The clubs have their registrations open, and we ask those looking to play this season to register as it gives the clubs and association the ability to plan for the season.

"We understand there is still some uncertainty, but we believe we are not far off now.

"The cricket clubs in the Macleay Valley have some of the most incredible volunteers and fun environments of any groups in the Macleay.

"Each group is different in their own way but their dedication to their communities is the same."

This season should see the use of new facilities with two turf wickets installed at Verge Street along with the newly built nets.

Work also continues at South West Rocks for the new high performance sports centre with endless sporting opportunities growing throughout the region.

"The new nets and additional turf wickets change the environment for cricket in the Macleay," Mr Smee said.

"These facility improvements allow us to expose our players to more turf cricket which will only improve the quality of the game in the area.

"The added addition of lighting makes our facilities one of the very best on the coast and promises lots of opportunities through night games and potential carnivals, showcasing our facilities and the town.

"The MVCA would like to express thanks to Kempsey Shire Council, our local member Melinda Pavey, SWR Sport and Rec and Cricket NSW for working towards these improvements. Locally thanks need to go Carlos Peters and Jodie O'Loughlin for working on behalf of the MVCA."

Frog Box technology is also coming to the local cricket scene with Mid North Coast Cricket Council purchasing the video and live streaming device, enabling anyone to view MVCA matches online live or after for those participating.

"I expect people will look forward to this. The chance to watch yourself, friends or family is certainly exiting," Mr Smee added.

With The Ashes in Australia this summer, the tradition and pride that comes with playing the old enemy should spark plenty of interest in the sport throughout the country in what will be a busy season.

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