Category: Donations

Historic Fundraising Success for Timor-Leste Women’s Cricket in Adelaide

Location: Adelaide, Australia

Reported by: Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB)

Executive Summary

The Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) is proud to report the monumental success of the “An Evening Supporting Timor-Leste Women’s Cricket” fundraising event held last week. Hosted by the Friends of Timor-Leste Women, the event took place on Friday, 16 January 2026, at the prestigious Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide. The evening served as a vital initiative to raise funds and awareness for the development of women’s cricket in Timor-Leste following our landmark achievement of becoming an ICC Member and playing our first international matches.

Event Highlights & Proceedings

The evening was a vibrant celebration of sport and international friendship, co-hosted by Sandra Dann, who served as the Emcee. The program included several high-profile speakers:

Jenny Thompson from the Her World Cricket Tour.
Ana Joaquim Pedruco, Former Presidential Advisor.
Mariana Dias Ximenes OLY, General Secretary of the Timor-Leste Cricket Board.

General Secretary Mariana Dias Ximenes represented the TLCB, presenting the official Chairman’s book and special gifts to honored guests as a token of our gratitude. The event also featured a Silent Auction, Raffle, a Mystery Wine Pick, and a popular Timor-Leste Pop-Up Shop.

List of Donors and Contributions

The generosity of the South Australian community resulted in a significant financial boost for Timor-Leste cricket. Notable contributions included:

Donor	Item / Contribution	Value/Amount
Irfan Hashmi (The Australian Pavilion)	Signed Travis Head print bat, 3helmets,	$1200+
SACA / Adelaide Strikers	WBBL 11 signed bat	$400
The Drone Guy	Professional photography print	$500
Heather Croall (Adelaide Fringe)	3 Lucas Croall art prints and a $100 Fringe voucher	$750
Artis Wines & Sandra Dann	Dozen wines plus 6 bottles from Sandra for Mystery Wine Game	$660
Cath & David Hopgood	Tais map and book	~$400
Maria Madeira	Original painting	~$350
Caricatures by Adam Kennedy	Professional caricature services	$110
Nell Wood	Toys and raffle prizes	$100+
Janet Aumann	Direct cash donation	$200
Mark Young	Support for travel and logistics	$430
Jenny Thompson	Support for travel and logistics	$1200

Additional prizes and support were provided by Bronwyn Dann (earrings), Alison Dowell (art cards), Ana Joaquim Pedruco (TL Books), and authors Vicki Foote and Rob Harvey.

Milestones and Acknowledgments

The evening also recognized the excellence of South Australian women’s cricketers, including Wisden’s Leading Woman Cricketers Lyn Fullston, Jill Kennare, Joanne Broadbent, and Karen Rolton. We also celebrated the Recent SA Hall of Fame Inductees and current National Champion teams.

Supporters and Volunteers

Our deepest thanks go to Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta for his ongoing patronage, as well as to Jing Lee MLC and Tammy Franks MLC for their dedicated support.

We also acknowledge the tireless efforts of our volunteers: Danielle Wood, Tara Nicholson, Georgia Gowing, Matthew Akers, Linda Lacey, Melanie Carter, Julia Pitcher, David Kempe, Bruce Stribley, and James Lang.

Official Thank You Message from the Chairman, TLCB

“On behalf of the Timor-Leste Cricket Board, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Australia for their overwhelming support. The ‘huge’ amount raised and the incredible spirit of generosity shown in Adelaide will directly empower our female athletes and help us build a lasting cricket legacy in Timor-Leste. We are especially grateful to the Friends of Timor-Leste Women and all our donors for believing in our journey.”

January 26, 2026

TLCB GLOBAL NEWS: Major Equipment Donation from UK Bolsters Timor-Leste Cricket Development

DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – The Timor-Leste Cricket Board (TLCB) is proud to announce the successful arrival and handover of a significant donation of cricket equipment, marking a major milestone in the effort to professionalize the sport across the nation.

The donation, which includes 24 high-quality cricket kits specifically for both men and women players, was made possible through a strategic partnership between the Embaixada da RDTL em Londres (Timor-Leste Embassy in London), Bat for a Chance (UK), and Bricon Shipping BS.

A Global Collaborative Effort

This initiative highlights the strong ties between the Timorese diaspora and international sporting charities. The Embassy in London worked closely with UK-based charity Bat for a Chance to source the equipment, while Bricon Shipping BS provided the vital logistical support necessary to transport the gear from the United Kingdom to the shores of Timor-Leste.

The 24 kits comprise professional-grade bats, helmets, pads, and gloves, ensuring that players in Dili and the surrounding districts can train and play with the highest standards of safety and performance.

Official Recognition and Gratitude

In an official statement released today, the Federation expressed its deep appreciation for the individuals and organizations that turned this logistical challenge into a reality:

“The Timor Cricket Federation extends its sincere thanks to Bat for a Chance (UK) for their very generous donation of cricket equipment which arrived in Dili recently. We would also like to thank the Timor-Leste Embassy in the UK and TL Hon Consul in Scotland, Roy Trivedy, for their invaluable supports.

This contribution will make a real difference in growing cricket and supporting our players across the country.

Thank you for your continued support of cricket in Timor-Leste 🏏🇹🇱”

Empowering Men and Women Players

A key focus of this donation is inclusivity. By providing equal numbers of kits for both male and female athletes, the TLCB is reinforcing its commitment to gender equality in sports. These resources will be distributed to regional hubs to ensure that aspiring cricketers, regardless of their location or gender, have the tools they need to succeed.

The TLCB continues to invite partners and the global community to support the growth of cricket as a tool for community building and national pride.

December 17, 2025
Cricket Timor-Leste Receives Boost with Generous Equipment Donation from Australia

DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – [17-Oct-2025] – The future of cricket in Timor-Leste has received a significant boost with the announcement that Cricket Timor-Leste’s school program has been gifted new plastic cricket equipment, thanks to the generous support of Cricket Australia and Northern Territory Cricket.

The much-needed equipment arrived safely in Timor-Leste, a feat made possible by the kind support of Cath Hopgood from the Australian Defence Force, to whom Cricket Timor-Leste extends its sincere gratitude. Her assistance was instrumental in ensuring the secure delivery of the gear.

Equipment Donation from Australia

A handover ceremony recently took place, attended by Dr. Muhammad Tayyeb Javed, President of Cricket Timor-Leste, and Mariana Dias Ximenes, General Secretary of Cricket Timor-Leste.

“This invaluable contribution marks a major step forward for our grassroots development,” said Dr. Muhammad Tayyeb Javed. “The new equipment will enable hundreds of young Timorese boys and girls to actively participate in and enjoy cricket within their schools. It is a vital investment that will strengthen the foundation for our future cricketers and grow the sport across the nation.”

Cricket Timor-Leste is deeply thankful to both Cricket Australia and Northern Territory Cricket for their commitment to developing the game internationally and looks forward to seeing this equipment ignite the passion for cricket among the youth of Timor-Leste.

October 17, 2025
Great News! “Virtutis Fortuna Comes” Aids Timor-Leste Cricket Development with Generous Equipment Donation

DILI, TIMOR-LESTE

In a massive boost for cricket development across Timor-Leste, the national federation is delighted to announce a significant and generous donation of used cricket equipment, facilitated by long-time supporter, Mark Young. This remarkable contribution, made under the spirit of “Virtutis Fortuna Comes,” is set to dramatically enhance the resources available to the nation’s young and aspiring cricketers.

The Latin phrase, which translates to “Fortune is the companion of valour” or “Fortune favours the brave,” perfectly encapsulates the bold and determined efforts of both Mr. Young and the local cricketing community.

Mark Young Arranges Cricket Equipment from New Zealand to Support Cricket Timor-Leste

Mr. Young has successfully arranged for a substantial shipment of essential gear from New Zealand 🇳🇿. The donation is packed with items crucial for training and play, including bats, pads, gloves, and other essential cricket gear.

The new equipment is expected to arrive in Timor-Leste by mid-April 2025. This timely aid will be invaluable to local players who often face considerable challenges due to a lack of proper, modern equipment, immediately upgrading their training and playing conditions.

Muhammad Tayyeb Javed, the Founder of Cricket Timor-Leste, expressed profound appreciation for the continued support. “Mark has been a true friend of Timor-Leste cricket. His consistent efforts in providing equipment and resources have played a crucial role in keeping the sport alive here,” said Mr. Javed. “We deeply appreciate his dedication and the spirit of ‘Virtutis Fortuna Comes’ that motivates this kind of unwavering support for our brave young players.”

With this new stock of equipment, the Timor-Leste Cricket Board is better positioned to intensify its programs, focus on talent identification, and promote the game widely among the youth. Despite facing ongoing financial challenges, the federation remains resolute in its mission to develop cricket in the country.

Stay tuned to TLCB.net for further updates on the equipment’s arrival and information on upcoming junior cricket activities across Timor-Leste! 🏏🇹🇱

April 1, 2025