A Year of Boundless Impact | The LBW Trust's Journey Through 2023

The LBW Trust (Learning for a Better World) believes education is the pathway to a better future.

As the echoes of post-Xmas New Year slumber faded away, the team at The LBW Trust embarked on a year of incredible achievements, community collaborations, and impactful initiatives.

From backyard cricket tournaments to supporting education projects globally, let’s take a look back at the highlights of this epic year.

January | Post-Xmas Bliss and Australia Day Plans

The year kicked off with a laid-back January, featuring post-Xmas lounging, beach days, and the joy of backyard cricket. Australia Day marked the turning point as plans were set in motion for a year full of exciting events and initiatives.

February | Inaugural T10 NBYC Tournament

Excitement filled the air in February with the inaugural T10 NBYC Tournament spanning Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

More than 20 teams battled for a state title, raising over $150,000 to support Australian country libraries and students in cricket-playing nations. Perth made its mark in the tournament’s inaugural year, promising to be a lasting participant.

March | Inaugural Games on the Greens at Yarralumla

March saw a unique event at the Governor General’s residence in Canberra, where over 160 local students engaged in backyard cricket. The event highlighted the importance of education and generosity, reflecting The LBW Trust’s commitment to levelling the global playing field in education.

We were joined by Cricket ACT and the Office of the Governor General in organising this successful event.

April | Jenny Thompson’s Cricket Tour for Change

April witnessed Jenny Thompson’s inspiring “Her World Cricket Tour,” a journey through over 50 countries where women’s cricket thrives. Jenny played, coached, and mentored female cricketers, fundraising for The LBW Trust along the way.

The month also marked the opening of grant applications benefiting public libraries in regional and remote Australia.

May | Women for Change Initiatives

The Women for Change committee took on three new projects in Nepal and India, supporting education and health initiatives for young women.

A virtual giving event raised over $80,000, making a significant impact on the lives of young women in India and Nepal.

June | The Ashes and Watch Party

The 73rd Ashes series between Australia and England brought cricketing highlights and fundraising opportunities.

The LBW Trust organised a watch party for the 2nd Test at Lord’s, raising much-needed funds to support our various education programs.

July | FOLA and National Backyard Cricket Campaign

Friends of Libraries Australia (FOLA) joined forces with The LBW Trust and retailer Harvey Norman to award grants to 78 country libraries in underserved regions, totalling $110,126.

The initiative aimed to enhance knowledge centres in regional, rural, and remote Australia.

August | Bruce Stephens’ Video

Supporter Bruce Stephens created a powerful video showcasing The LBW Trust’s efforts in the pursuit of learning for a better world.

The video highlighted the global influence and positive impact achieved through community support.

September | Games on the Greens Canberra

Cricket ACT, along with The LBW Trust and the Governor-General’s office, organised our second Games on the Greens in Canberra on September 18th.

This time around, the event brought together 480 children from 19 primary schools for an action-packed T10 cricket tournament, supporting learning for a better world.

October | Applecross Cricket Club Season Launch and Annual Dinner

October featured the Applecross Cricket Club Season Launch in Perth, promoting community engagement and grassroots cricket.

The Women for Change Committee held a masterclass for emerging women leaders, and Samantha Forbes joined The LBW Trust’s Board.

The month culminated in the 17th Annual Dinner at Doltone House in Sydney’s Hyde Park, featuring special guests Justin Langer and The Grade Cricketer.

November | Cricket World Cup Victory and 10 Years of Heartland

November brought glory as Australia won the Cricket World Cup. The month also marked the tenth anniversary of Nepal’s Heartland Academy, a testament to a decade of educational impact and transformation.

December | Reflecting on an Epic Year

In December we farewelled Penny Verdich, board member and chair of the Education Committee since 2016. Thank you, Penny and we will miss you.

We also extend a warm welcome to Paul Singer and Tricia Ho-Hudson, who have joined The LBW Board.

The LBW Trust combines two of my great passions – cricket and learning. The simplicity of bringing people together through cricket and raising awareness and funds for education is a fantastic model. I’ve seen first-hand the transformational impact of education, particularly in developing countries and remote communities.

Of course, The LBW Trust board, committee members, supporters and staff gathered in December to reflect on the year and celebrate our community.

The LBW Trust’s journey through 2023 has been extraordinary, marked by community collaborations, fundraising successes, and impactful initiatives. As we reflect on an epic year, the team remains committed to learning for a better world, turning poverty into opportunity through education.

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Thank you,

The LBW Trust

A Year of Boundless Impact | The LBW Trust’s Journey Through 2023