“I set great store in certain qualities which I believe to be essential in addition to skill. They are that a person conducts his or her life with dignity, integrity, courage, and perhaps most of all, with modesty.” – Sir Donald Bradman
After consistently embodying Sir Donald’s most treasured values, Executive Director, Rina Hore, has decided to call stumps on her time at the Bradman Foundation and Museum.
Rina, who began her association with the Foundation as a Board Director in 2003, was made Deputy Chair in 2005, before assuming the role as Executive Director in December 2006. Totalling more than 19 years, she has given the most dedicated service; upholding the Bradman values and championing the game of cricket.
Fiercely determined and passionate, she will be on hand during a three-month period of transition as the Board appoints a new Chief Executive, before commencing leave in January.
Having overseen more than a decade of development on and off the field, Rina is content that the time is right to declare her innings closed with the Bradman Centre.
“I need a chance to re-energise after an extended period working in a demanding role,” she said.
“Recently, despite having a wonderful team around me, working through the challenges of shutdowns has highlighted the need for a break; reinventing our retail trading offer, adapting and implementing many COVID regulations – in addition to the normal day-to-day running of the Bradman Museum, Cafe and Oval – I became convinced after 15 years of being on duty 24/7, I need to refresh, but this is definitely not retirement.”
Rina looks out over the picturesque Bradman Oval
Affirming that she will remain a fervent advocate for playing the game in the right spirit, Rina has always been a passionate supporter of the women’s game and of cricket more generally. It is this level of devotion that has held the Foundation in such good stead throughout her tenure.
Particularly proud to have overseen the hosting of the 2008 Women’s Ashes Test at Bradman Oval, she recalls the crowds who flocked to Bowral.
“Spectators ringed the fence, and past players travelled from all parts of the country to attend,” she remembers.
“The facility, local support, event management and the effort of the volunteers acted as a catalyst for growing confidence and helping the women’s game to thrive.”
Rina has also enjoyed the chance to utilise her role and the Foundation’s place in Australian cricket to help celebrate the history of the game both at home and overseas. She is glad to recognise the importance of World Series Cricket, India’s growth into a global superpower, as well as integrating the history of women’s cricket more prominently into the Museum’s storyline.
To that end, Rina has worked closely with all stakeholders to honour the contributions of key players in the history of cricket through the WSC Gallery, Women Pioneers to T20 Champions, Greats of the Game and the annual celebration of the Bradman Honourees.
Such commitment to every facet of the Foundation’s work ensures she will be sorely missed. Bradman Foundation Patron, the Honourable John Howard OM AC said, “I am extremely sorry that Rina will no longer be with us. Her dedication, knowledge and skill had on occasions kept the Foundation going forward during difficult times. She exemplified commitment to a cause in which she believed.”
Rina with former Chairman, Mr Maurice Newman AC and long-time Bradman Member, Mark Preddey
Balancing cricket’s rich history, Rina has been keen to influence the next generation, too. Under her leadership, the annual Under 14 Regional Spirit of Cricket Carnival has been reshaped; placing an emphasis on educating and rewarding young cricketers for playing the game in the right spirit.
Moreover, she initiated the Bradman Foundation’s Coverdrive Program. A multi-sport program – which Bradman Coach Jock McIllhatton runs to the highest standard – affords children with disabilities the chance to improve their social skills through regular sport-based activities at Bradman Oval.
“Coverdrive produces results in terms of opportunity and inclusiveness,” Rina said.
An extension of Dream Cricket Gala Days, she believes Coverdrive highlights the Foundation’s commitment to pilot programs in the disability space that can have a powerful impact.
“It has engaged community cricket and contributed to the development of Cricket Australia’s national All Abilities Program.”
With a legacy that extends well beyond the boundary rope, Rina has made it her mission as Executive Director to connect a nationwide network of Bradman Scholars to the Foundation.
“We are so proud of all of our scholars; firstly as people, but also their contributions to business and sport,” she said.
“For me, it is fabulous to see that the Scholarship is continuing to achieve what it set out to; allowing young people to balance their studies while pursuing their cricketing dreams. At some stage, they all give back to the game utilising their professional skills.”
In raising her bat this time Rina is quick to acknowledge others when reflecting on her fine innings.
“Living in Bowral and working with dedicated colleagues over all these years at the Bradman Museum has been a privilege,” she smiled.
“In the coming months I am looking forward to catching up with the many fabulous people who have been part of my journey and having the opportunity to say thank you.”
Excited to see the team at the Bradman Centre continue to take the business forward, Rina is also keen to have some time to herself in the near future. Hopeful to watch first hand, the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand in March/ April 2022 – pending the easing of travel restrictions.
“I went to the women’s World Cup in South Africa in 2005, before I commenced this role in Bowral,” she remembers.
“I like many, look forward to the freedom to travel – it would be nice to do the same after finishing up; to book-end my time at Bradman by being an ardent spectator once again.”
After all Rina has given the game, surely that’s not too much to ask.
We thank Rina for her service to the Bradman Foundation and wish her all the best in the future.
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