The Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club is a prime example of an amazing success story in sport. Now, Jerry Lewis guides us through what has become a significant part of the club’s history. Established in 1984, when the Queensland Rugby Union sought a team to participate in the newly formed Sunshine Coast Rugby Competition, a group of “Our People”, stepped forward and accepted the challenge.
The Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club not only consolidated, but also achieved success, becoming one of the most respected clubs within the Queensland Rugby Union.
Dr Charles Elliott, a local GP who later became the first president, placed a classified ad in the Noosa News inviting interested parties to meet at Noosa Heads SLS Supporters Club. Among those who responded were current club patron David Nicholson, Max Gunthorpe, Brendan Ryan, John Ford, Trevor Luff, as well as several others.
At a successful meeting, members agreed to form a club. Since the meeting was held at the Noosa Club, whose colours were maroon and white, those colours were chosen for the rugby club as, a gesture of thanks. However, since the club lacked funds for new jerseys, the QRL provided a white jersey with yellow numbers.
Following a successful meeting they adjourned onto the verandah of the surf club to celebrate. While doing so their attention was drawn to a pod of incoming dolphins. A frantic Nordic tourist suddenly ran down the beach waving a towel shouting, “Noosa dolphins, Noosa dolphins.”
Drinks were ignored then someone in the group yelled and they all picked up the message “Noosa Dolphins, Noosa Dolphins- you bloody beauty “So not only was a club formed, but a name also chosen and the colors were agreed to. Because the club could not afford to buy jerseys, the QRU supplied as stated.
Nevertheless, this marked the beginning of the club, which, over the years, has encountered various challenges and achievements. Today, its culture continues to strengthen annually. A highlight is the annual visit to New Zealand by the Dolphins Junior Rugby Union Team. The impressive aspect of this concept was its community support. In summary, people from diverse backgrounds unite to help.
This is a brief narrative presented from the viewpoint of an individual who serves as a coach, manager, father, husband, and member of the community. Fundraising for the 2025 U15 team began a year prior. The fundraising committee, composed of players’ parents, did an excellent job. They balanced work and family, while at the same time promoting their concept to local businesses for donations, sponsorships, as well as organizing raffles.
All the local businesses that made donations and supported the tour, also deserve recognition—their contributions truly demonstrate the strong sense of community we share. One of the virtues of this tour, (and the fundraising required,) is that it gives our youth the opportunity to grow into young men.
They were taught the importance of good presentation: maintaining appropriate eye contact, demonstrating confidence when communicating with older individuals, being punctual for events. Most important, remaining mindful of the financial aspects necessary when organizing such a successful event.
Before departing for New Zealand, the club hosted a sponsors evening and send-off. This allowed players and families to thank the businesses that supported them. The club also sought to instill in the boys an understanding of the importance of international tours, highlighting the responsibility and distinction involved in representing their community, their club, and themselves while traveling abroad.
There is also big emphasis on making the tour a rite of passage where boys can mature into young men. We feel that it is very important for boys to understand their roles in the community, to represent themselves and to be strong leaders.
‘’We should be proud of what we did as a community, club, parents and players to make this tour not only a possibility but also a success. The first NZ tour was in 2004. What started as a group of passionate parents and coaches coming together to support their players has grown into a proud tradition within the junior program. To all, OUR PEOPLE, well done.” Tim Ellei.
