By RON LANE
THE Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club held its annual Long Lunch last Friday with 150 guests.
With the clubhouse decorated in a fashion to make all members proud – and a guest speaker list of rugby legends that was second to none – all those present, club officials, members, sponsors and supporters, knew that this was going to be a luncheon to remember; and indeed it was.
In his welcome to guests, club president Chris Burton said: “Today we want you to celebrate everything about grass roots rugby; mix with our rugby guests, Gordon Bray, Glen Ella, Michael O’Connor, Jim Little and Andrew Ready, and enjoy the great entertainment.”
The president, in talking of the club, said: “At present we have some 370 playing members of which 300 are juniors.”
These are indeed healthy figures as they indicate a strong future for the club. He also took the opportunity to recognise the input of volunteer workers, in particular Big Peter Williams, Ken Edwards and Kerin Karney.
He then went on to explain that the main aims of the day were to raise funds, which would enable the club to upgrade the field lighting, assist in financing the forthcoming under-15s’ tour of New Zealand and above all, assist the GIVIT Foundation.
The president then called on major club sponsor representative, Dan Neylan, of Dowling and Neylan. Dan spoke of their commitment to the Dolphins as well as aspects of their work in the real estate industry within our community.
Apart from their commitment to the Dolphins, Dowling and Neylan are also a major benefactor for the GIVIT Foundation, an outstanding charity organisation.
Following this, Jamie Lawson, the car rally road boss with the GIVIT Foundation, explained their commitment.
Introduced by the president, the first guest speaker of the luncheon was wife of the foundation president Dr Elliot, now of Pomona.
Mrs Elliot spoke of the early days at the club. Many points of interest revolved around the connection between the Dolphins and the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club.
“For example, the first meeting of our club was in the old surf club Supporters Bar,” she said. “Choosing the surf club colors of maroon and white as the colors for the Dolphins; and the heavy involvement of the surf club bar manager the late John Ford, in his work for both clubs.”
She then went on to explain one of her husband’s methods of recruiting new players.
“When a young man came in for a medical, usually before he discussed their health he would always ask, do you play football? If they said yes they were hooked.”
Then came guest speaker legendary rugby commentator Gordon Bray. Gordon spoke of his 40 years of experience, both as a broadcaster and a travelling companion of touring Wallabies.
Following this, he invited other guests Glen Ella Wallaby legend, Jim Tucker sport journalist and Andrew Ready, a young member of the Reds rugby squad, to join him on the stage for a question and answer session regarding their careers.
Also among invited guests was Noosa Surf Club president Ross Fisher.
“At our club we are very proud of our involvement with the Dolphins. Our history goes back a long way and we will always support them; great club with a proud history. Well done to all.”
Down through the years, a tradition started by present surf club manager Anton Mogg is the premiership breakfast. This is held at the surf club prior to the Dolphins playing in a rugby premiership and is a sign of ongoing friendship and mutual support.
The Dolphins Rugby Club – yet another example of what can be achieved when groups from all levels of a community work together for a common goal. And in this case, the group consists of – Our People.
