Country libraries and tertiary students are the winners from

Country libraries and tertiary students are the winners from National Backyard Cricket fundraising campaign

The LBW Trust has now distributed the funds raised during the inaugural National Backyard Cricket program, held last summer to country libraries across Australia and tertiary education projects in India and Sri Lanka.

54 country libraries across Australia have received funding grants which will enable these libraries to complete projects ranging from computer access for young people, to ESL classes, special needs programs and coding classes. Almost half the grant applications requested funding for technology equipment. Harvey Norman has generously matched the funds raised for libraries during the National Backyard Cricket program enabling grants to meet the technology needs of 21 libraries. In total, nearly $70,000 in grants will be distributed to country libraries working with our partner, Friends of Libraries Australia.

Tertiary students in India and Sri Lanka have also been the recipients of the funds raised by the National Backyard Cricket program for overseas education. At a time when the pandemic has devastated the lives of so many in the Indian subcontinent, the support provided to the students to support their education and relieve pressure on their families has been invaluable.

There were 125 games of backyard cricket played during the National Backyard Cricket program, with over 320 donors helping to raise more than $125,000. The program was supported by cricketing royalty including; Justin Langer, Alex Blackwell, Ryan Carters, Russel Arnold, Alyssa Healy, Ed Cowan and Michael Holding.

David Vaux, Chair of The LBW Trust said, “National Backyard Cricket was an opportunity for families and communities across Australia to come together and have fun playing our iconic game after an extremely challenging 12 months, while supporting an important cause at the same time. We are so thrilled we can support local libraries and overseas tertiary education as we know they both have a powerful impact on learning and life outcomes.”

“We are heartened by the generosity of the Australian public who participated in Nation-

al Backyard Cricket. The program exceeded our expectations. Together with our partners, we are proud of National Backyard Cricket’s success in its first year. We have established a great platform for National Backyard Cricket to build on.”

For more information, please visit https:// nationalbackyardcricket.com/.

GREETINGS FROM

Authorised by Anne Stanley MP, ALP NSW, Shop 7/441 Hoxton Park Rd, Hinchinbrook NSW 2168 The electorate of Werriwa is a rich multicultural community. The Indian diaspora is an important part of South Western Sydney and your contribution to Australian society is a compliment to our national migration story.

15 August 2021 is a special day. It is important to commemorate and remember the great sacrifice made by so many in the name of independence and freedom.

It is vital we share, protect and advance our cultures for future generations to ensure they stay connected to community, history and language.

I acknowledge the 75th year of Indian Independence, look forward to continuing to celebrate with you well into the future and wish the Indian community the best.

Member for Werriwa