A driving force at Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club, Cynthia Rouse has the remarkable capacity to juggle family, a career in finance, and a deeply impactful volunteer role — all while inspiring the next generation of cricketers.
She is also Cricket NSW’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year, and a newly nominated member of the Metro Cricket Council, a consultative and advisory board for CNSW management to work with on strategy and the direction of cricket in metropolitan Sydney. For Cynthia, cricket has always been more than just a sport. It’s been a lifelong passion, a community cornerstone, and a vehicle for connection.
Her love for the game began early.
“I’m not sure if it was the MCG or the Gabba or the WACA or the Adelaide Oval or the SCG, it doesn’t matter where it was, but Down Under in Australia in summer since the 1990s, if there was a Test match, I was watching.”
That spectatorship has since evolved into an extraordinary commitment to grassroots cricket. Cynthia currently manages a junior team that includes one of her three cricket-playing children, serves on both the Junior and Main Committees at Easts, and oversees communications for the entire juniors’ program. With over 600 players ranging from Cricket Blasters to U17s, she helps manage one of the biggest junior clubs in the country.
Her journey into volunteering was driven by a belief in the power of sport to unite.
“I’m in awe of the power of community sport and its ability to connect people from different backgrounds and remind us we are all human. I had to get involved. I wanted to be part of that.”
One of her proudest achievements is the creation and growth of the Easts Juniors Season Launch Gala Day — an event that now attracts more than 400 participants each season.
“Standing on Waverley Oval in the midst of our inaugural Gala Day and seeing our community start to feel that sense of belonging to something bigger than their individual teams — that has to be the highlight for me.”
Cynthia has also been instrumental in developing girls’ cricket in the Eastern Suburbs. Working closely with Cricket NSW, she helped co-create a local Social Girls Program aimed at encouraging new female players into the sport.
“Watching Julie Stafford’s thoughtfully crafted program design come to life — and then having to extend the offering due to popular demand — was extremely satisfying.”
Her impact is wide-ranging. She helped establish a cap recognition program for juniors who have played 50 or more matches, building a sense of loyalty and identity. She also introduced targeted WhatsApp community groups to help coaches, managers, and parents stay connected and supported — a small innovation with a big community payoff.
Outside of cricket, Cynthia has a successful career in equities funds management and investor relations, with over 25 years of experience. She and her husband are proud parents of three wonderful, cricket-playing children.
“We’ve managed to deliver a diversified pool of talent — some pace, off spin, and a batsman — and are ever hopeful we can convince one of them to give keeping a go!” she says.
Despite a full schedule, she still finds joy in the quieter moments of cricket life.
“There isn’t much time outside of family, work and cricket — but I do love to read when I can and definitely don’t mind a shaded spot on the boundary for a good book (when I’m not scoring).”
Her message to others considering volunteering in cricket is simple but powerful:
“Every time I observe 22 kids at a game — knowing they are outdoors, away from screens and making enduring friendships — I know my efforts have been worth it. Cricket simply would not exist without volunteers. I encourage anyone with the desire to put their hand up and get involved — it's a truly remarkable community.”
Cynthia is a standout -- always with the big picture in mind: building connection, joy, and opportunity in her corner for everyone to play and love cricket.