Leagues and clubs within the Central Division have once again shown their ability to dig deep to help those in need. On the weekend of July 18-19, venues across Central Division conducted fundraisers and awareness programs to aid those in need in the Central West region.
Reports are that the weekend was a huge success with all leagues across the Division making a contribution to the cause. Further to this, a number of leagues are going to continue their fundraising efforts in the coming weeks with local Men of League branches who were the official partner of the event.
The Central Queensland region led the way by helping out their nearest ‘neighbour’. The Rockhampton Rugby League matched their clubs dollar for dollar in the donation stakes and with the promotion strongly supported in the region a significant donation will be made.
Leading the way were the Yeppoon Seagulls who hosted the Rockhampton based Norths. Yeppoon were significantly affected by Cyclone Marcia earlier in the year so for a club that is rebuilding after a natural disaster their commitment to help others is commendable.
The Gladstone Rugby League also jumped on board by donating money raised from the weekend Intrust Super Cup fixture between the CQ Capras and the Redcliffe Dolphins.
Central Queensland support was not only restricted to clubs. The referees of Gladstone and Rockhampton donated their match payments from the weekend to make a valuable contribution to the cause.
The support for the Drought Relief Round extended in to the Wide Bay Region. The Bundaberg Rugby League had collection tins at Salter Oval and the local Men of League branch are planning an additional fundraiser to support the cause.
Many small clubs in South West Queensland are well aware of the crippling effects of a drought but this did not stop them in supporting the event. The small community of Wandoan (home of the Wildcats) hosted a Western Downs JRL mid-season carnival. At this event they conducted raffles and had rattle tins on the gate all in aid of the Drought Relief appeal.
The Roma and District Rugby League have one of the most active Men of League branches in the state and their committee has arranged a Sportsman’s Dinner for the end of this month to support the initiative.
Last week the Goondiwindi Junior Rugby League Club were fortunate enough to host the Footy Show ‘Small Talk’ segment. The money received from this was kindly donated to the Drought Relief Fund and also the James Ackerman Trust.
The Warwick and District Junior Rugby League and its affiliated clubs made a conscious effort to promote the event. Despite being a relatively small league, all clubs and the league will make donations to the fund.
The Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League and the Sunshine Coast Junior Rugby League supported the event through their vast network of clubs. Many clubs and the league have made direct donations to the drought appeal.
Clubs in the Burnett Region showed great initiative in raising awareness for the cause. At a Mini/Mod Carnival in Wondai the club offered free haircuts to anybody making a donation. They are hoping to raise enough money to fund teams to travel in to the Central West for games later in the season to help boost the local economy.
A reminder to all clubs/leagues wishing to donate money can do so directly with the Central West Rugby League via:
Account Name: Central West Rugby League Drought Appeal
Account Number: 231725
BSB: 034-194 (Westpac)
Alternatively, contact Central West Chairman Dave Kerrigan on 0427 009 375.
