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.”
