Tom Iceton OAM: A Lifetime Devoted to Cricket

With a passion that has endured for nearly 60 years, Tom’s involvement in the sport spans playing, administration, mentorship, and tireless advocacy for the cricketing community. 

Tom is one of the inaugural recipients of Cricket NSW’s Distinguished Service Volunteer Awards this year.  

Tom's journey in cricket began with Caringbah Sports Junior Cricket Club in 1966, before he went to The King’s School, Parramatta in 1971, where he was eventually selected for the First XI. After leaving school, he began playing for Sutherland District Cricket Club (SDCC) in late 1976. His organisational skills were quickly recognised when, at just 19, he was encouraged by the then chairman of selectors of the club to join the SDCC committee in 1978—marking the start of a lifelong commitment to cricket administration.  

Within SDCC, Tom has served in virtually every leadership role: president, secretary, treasurer, 1st Grade scorer, chairman of selectors, and long-time management committee member. In recognition of his service, he was awarded Life Membership in 1988. His efforts in all aspects of the club’s playing and administration activities have left a lasting mark on the local cricketing scene. 

A chartered accountant by profession for 42 years, starting with an international firm and then with small and medium sized city firms before leading his own suburban practice, Tom retired a few years ago to devote all his time to cricket.

“The cricket club is my family,” Tom says.

“I have enjoyed all my time here, and I rejoice in the fact that I have helped so many players achieve what they are capable of in cricket. It could be a Steve Smith who has gone on to play at the highest level, or a player who has played First Grade or just lower grades for many years. Helping them achieve what they can in cricket has been my greatest reward.” 

Tom’s influence extends well beyond Sutherland. He has played a central role in the St. George Veterans’ Cricket Club and has represented his region for over 40 years as a delegate to the NSW Cricket Association and Sydney Cricket Association—the longest-serving current delegate. He also served as a Director on the NSW Cricket Board, contributing to key committees including Audit, Finance, and Cricket. 

At the national level, Tom has represented New South Wales on Australian Cricket Board committees, notably in Coaching and Development. His contributions have been recognised with several prestigious honours, including the Australian Sports Medal (2000), the Centenary Medal (2001), and the Medal of the Order of Australia (2010). He is also a life member of the NSW Cricket Association and continues to be connected to Cricket NSW through various projects where he supports the organisation. 

Tom's dedication to community causes is equally noteworthy. He was instrumental in raising over $162,000 for the Children of Chris O’Neil Trust in the late 1990s to help the young family of a playing opponent who suddenly passed away in sad circumstances. In 1989, he helped take the local women’s teams under SDCC’s wing for them to be able to use the facilities and benefits that the club provided. About 13 years later, in 2002, he helped establish the St. George-Sutherland Women’s Cricket Club, combining the women’s teams of St George and Sutherland, championing opportunities for female cricketers, and setting an example of collaboration. Tom wrote the constitution for the women’s club. 

Tom Iceton’s lifelong service and unwavering dedication have helped shape the cricketing landscape in New South Wales, making him a true pillar of the game.