Our Foundation exists to empower every Victorian through an accessible and inclusive cricket community, unlocking opportunity and potential on and off the field.
The Cricket Victoria Foundation is the philanthropic heart of Victorian cricket, strategically investing in community programs across our key pillars. Our purpose is to deliver measurable social, educational, and wellbeing outcomes which strengthen community connections and ensure cricket’s transformative benefits are realised by all, regardless of background or ability.
IMPACT REPORT
Our Impact
Strategic Impact Pillars
The Cricket Victoria Foundation invests all its raised funds into community programs aligned with three strategic pillars of support, each designed to harness cricket’s inherent ability to unite and enable individuals.
Accessible Participation
Women and Girls
Focusing on creating pathways for excellence for everyone and ensuring all Victorians reap the long-term social and physical benefits of participation.
Building confidence in women and girls to lead in sport, at school and in their workplaces.
Our Community Championing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ representation and equity both on and off the field.
The Cricket Victoria Foundation utilises the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to inform, measure, and manage program outcomes.
When we invest in programs, our key considerations include focusing on targeted initiatives that address the most pressing community needs and contribute to long-term sustainable development.
The SDGs also provide a robust framework for measurement and accountability, allowing us to clearly demonstrate the Foundation’s impact to our community and donors.
This framework fosters collaboration and partnership with other organisations and stakeholders within and beyond the cricket community.
Advisory Committee
Dear Supporters, Partners, and Members of the Victorian Cricket Community,
As a member of the Cricket Victoria Foundation Advisory Committee, it is with pride that I reflect on our collective journey over the past year. Since its establishment in 2022, the Cricket Victoria Foundation has been dedicated to a singular mission:harnessing the power of our beloved sport to drive positive change across Victoria.
As a cornerstone of Australian culture for over a century, cricket is deeply woven into our national fabric and identity. Yet, for many – including people with disabilities,those from low-income backgrounds, and individuals from culturally diverse communities – systemic barriers can limit access to the sport. The Foundation was created to address these inequities, ensuring cricket’s benefits are accessible to all.
This year, every dollar raised through the Foundation has been invested into programs guided by our three strategic pillars of support: Accessible Participation,Women & Girls, and Our Community. Together, we have made significant progress in delivering on this mission:
Accessible Participation
The Foundation supports Victoria’s representative teams (Deaf and Hard of Hearing,Blind and Low Vision, and Intellectual Disability cricketers) to compete at the National Cricket Inclusion Championships. Victoria achieved outstanding success in 24/25, securing national titles in three divisions, testament to the dedication and talent within these inclusion programs. These championships offer elite pathways and aim to increase representation at the national level.
Girls Leadership Program
In Season 2024/25, the Girls Leadership program engaged 123 participants and significantly expanded its reach to two new regional locations: Bendigo and Sale. The MCC Foundation has been a dedicated partner of this program, and we thank them for supporting us.
First Nations Scholarships
This year saw the Scott Boland Indigenous Scholarship launch (in partnership with Melbourne Cricket Education Academy), providing financial and personal support to Indigenous students pursuing dual diplomas in Business and Leadership & Management, connecting them to cricket and career development opportunities.
These achievements are only possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, commitment of our team, and the unwavering spirit of the Victorian cricket community. The Advisory Committee remains focused on ensuring every investment maximises impact and advances our vision of a more inclusive game.
On behalf of both Cricket Victoria Foundation management and the committee, I offer our sincerest thanks to Paul Gardner AM for his outstanding support and leadership as Chair of the Cricket Victoria Foundation Advisory Committee over the past three years.
Finally, on behalf of the Foundation, I extend my deepest gratitude for your continued support. Together, we are building a future where every Victorian can thrive through the power of cricket.
Sincerely,
Tracie Stoltenburg Cricket Victoria Foundation Advisory Committee Member
Women & Girls
Girls Leadership Program 24/25 Impact
A recent EY study revealed that 94% of female C-suite executives participated in sport at an organised or competitive level, highlighting the powerful connection between sports participation and leadership success.
The research highlights those leadership qualities cultivated through sport – confidence, teamwork, discipline, communication, resilience, competitiveness, and a strong work ethic – are precisely those needed leading organisations at any level.
The Cricket Victoria Foundation’s Girls Leadership Program, presented in partnership with the MCC Foundation, provides leadership skills, coaching and training for young women (14-16 years old) to engage with cricket as future leaders, captains, coaches, future administrators, and volunteers.
Developed in collaboration with former Australian and Victorian cricketer Belinda Clark AO and her company, The Leadership Playground, and with vital support from the MCC Foundation, the program has completed its second year, running in both metro and regional Victorian locations.
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
girls (aged 14-16) attended the program
GOAL
The participants deepen their connection to the game and stay involved as participants, volunteers, and fans, while enhancing leadership qualities and developing future leaders.
DESIRED PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Building Future Leaders – Equip young women with key skills like communication, teamwork, and decision-making.
Ripple Effect – Participants turn learning into action by leading projects within their clubs with support of mentors and change management experts.
Driving Change – Empowers young women to seek out leadership opportunities by combining hard skills with a confidence to put themselves forward for opportunities.
REACH new regional sessions introduced (Bendigo, Sale) 2 PROGRAM EXPANSION
IT, BE IT”
of presenters were women and current professional female players involved Poppy Gardner, Jasmine Nevins, Sasha Moloney and Sophie Reid 73%
RIPPLE EFFECT
Cricket Clubs participated across Victoria 91
Participants improved their leadership qualities, with growth in communication, teamwork, discipline, resilience, competitiveness, and strong work ethic all observed by mentors, parents, or self-reflection in projects.
Testimonials from participants expressing increased interest in diverse roles within cricket (coaching, umpiring, operations, media, governance) beyond just playing showcased their deepened connection to cricket and its pathways.
Clear Role Model Influence: Participant and parent feedback specifically highlight the impact of interacting with professional female players and other women presenters.
Increased Social Connection & Belonging:
Participant Testimonials highlighting the value of “meeting and talking with girls from other cricket clubs” and “Interaction with other like-minded girls.”
“The breadth of topics covered kept our girls interested and learning each session. They really enjoyed learning all the other aspects to the game, and I would highly recommend every club to get involved if they get the chance ”
- Club Mentor quote
- Participant quote 51.7%
“I thought that the little side projects were great to keep me engaged with the program throughout its course. That way, we can do them from home and make a difference in our lives and the lives of others.”
PROGRAM GOAL
Sport can challenge societal stereotypes and provide individuals with opportunities for self-agency. This pillar aims to ensure that inclusivity in cricket is not just about participation but also about achieving excellence and representation at the elite level.
DESIRED PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Inclusion – Empowers more Victorians with disabilities to play cricket
Pathway to the Top – Boosts national representation, opening doors to play for Australia
Changing Perceptions – Challenges stereotypes of people with a disability and opens avenues of increased social participation
Enhanced Wellbeing – Access to team and competitive sport boosts physical health, mental resilience, and social connections
Accessible Participation
One in six Australians are impacted by hearing loss. 90,000 Victorians are blind or vision impaired, and almost 20% of the Victorian population have a disability.
Cricket has the power to drive social inclusion by providing equitable access and opportunities for people with disabilities. It challenges stereotypes, builds confidence, and creates meaningful pathways for individuals who often face barriers to participation.
National Cricket Inclusion Championships Excellence
The Cricket Victoria Foundation congratulates all four teams that represented Victoria at the National Cricket Inclusion Championships in Queensland in January.
Sixteen teams represented their states and territories in the T20 format tournament, showcasing the talent, determination and passion of the best cricketers with a disability in Australia.
It was a particularly memorable tournament for Victoria this season, with the Intellectual Disability Squad and the Men’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Squad both repeating as National Champions.
The Victorian Intellectual Disability team has dominated the event, having won the tournament each of the past five years, while the Victorian Men’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing have won the Championships three-years in a row after breaking a 20-year title drought in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Squad claimed national honours after finishing the tournament at the top of the table.
Investment in Grassroots Participation
Accessible Participation Community Partnerships
Season 24/25 saw the Cricket Victoria Foundation again invest in the incredible work of accessible participation programs at a community level. The foundation supported;
• Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association
• Victorian Blind Cricket
• Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club
“The support from the Cricket Victoria Foundation has been absolutely game-changing for our association. It’s not just about the funding - it’s about the recognition, the belief, and the commitment to inclusive cricket. With this support, we’ve been able to provide more opportunities for our players with disability to train, compete and connect through the game they love. It’s helping us build a stronger, more inclusive community where every player feels seen, supported, and celebrated.”
Players Selected for National Teams
Participants Supported
National Championship Trophies
Simon Fuller, Victoria Blind Cricket Association Secretary.
First Nations Cricket Our Community
Cricket has the power to unite communities and provide pathways for personal and social development.
The Cricket Victoria Foundation recognises the significant historical and cultural connection of First Nations people to the game and aims to foster inclusive and culturally respectful cricket opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
First Nations Australians face systemic barriers to full and equitable participation in cricket, including limited access to culturally appropriate and engaging cricket programs, disparity in access to quality coaching, facilities, and equipment in remote and regional communities and lack of cultural awareness and sensitivity within the broader cricket community.
Through the support of Victoria’s National Indigenous Cricket Championships teams and the Scott Boland Indigenous Scholarship, the Cricket Victoria Foundation is looking to address this in inequity representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, both on and off the field.
DESIRED PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Stronger representation on-field – increase First Nation’s people’s participation and selection at the highest levels of cricket.
World-Class Education – Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for lifelong success in First Nations young people
Stronger Connections – Create lasting networks with mob and community that enhance career opportunities and economic impact.
The Foundation proudly supports both Men’s and Women’s Victorian representative teams to compete at the NICC, celebrating achievements like Tahlia Meier and Pat Jackson being named in the Teams of the Tournament. It also celebrates milestones like Ella Hayward and Tahlia Meier’s selection for the Australian Indigenous Women’s Cricket Team.
PROGRAM GOALS
National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC)
Scott Boland Indigenous Scholarship
IMPACT SNAPSHOT
The Scott Boland Indigenous Scholarship (launched in partnership with Melbourne Cricket Education Academy), provides financial and personal support to Indigenous students pursuing dual diplomas in Business and Leadership & Management, connecting them to cricket and career development opportunities.
Through the Foundation’s funding, tertiary education scholarships are providing an important educational pathway for young First Nations people. Each scholarship is tailored to the individual student, covering tuition fees and additional expenses necessary for their equitable participation in education.
Students of the Melbourne Cricket Education Academy (MCEA) take their experience back to their communities, building capability at an individual level and visibility of training and education opportunities in cricket for First Nations people.
female participants supported 20 male participants supported 25 Victorian Players Selected for National Team 3
inaugural Scott Boland Scholarship Awarded
THANK YOU
The Cricket Victoria Foundation is supported by incredible individuals, corporate partners and charitable foundations.
The Foundation Advisory Committee and management would like to extend its sincere thanks to the following organisations for their generous support in the FY25 financial year:
• The Cricket Victoria Foundation First XI
• The MCC Foundation
• The Phillips Family Foundation
• The Adrienne Beames Trust
• Goldman Sachs Gives
We humbly invite you to join us in making a real difference. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable community.
IMPACT REPORT
For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact: Head of Cricket Victoria Foundation - cvfoundation@cricketvictoria.com.au
The Cricket Victoria Foundation is located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin nation.
We acknowledge, celebrate and pay our respects to all First Nations Australians on whose traditional lands we meet, live, learn, and work, and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.
