Nerang RSL welcomes Wakefield Trinity players and presents gold coast titans $1000 cheque at Nerang RSL’s ‘big talk’ night in support of the Men of League Foundation.
Talking all-things footy and life beyond the Fields, to cooking snags on the BBQ and raising funds for the Men of League Foundation, the Nerang RSL and Memorial Club’s recent Big Talk night in support of the Men of League Foundation was certainly one to remember!
The Nerang RSL presented a one thousand dollar cheque to the Gold Coast Titans in support of their Physical Disability Rugby League Team and welcomed three super league players from Wakefield Trinity, who flew from the United Kingdom, to attend Big Talk and play against the Gold Coast Titans Physical Disability Rugby League team (GCTPDRL) in a curtain-raiser game prior to the Titans taking on the Broncos at CBUS Stadium last month.
The Nerang RSL’s Big Talk night was BIG indeed with guests not only sharing in some banter, a barbeque and some bevies, but also the opportunity to listen to Wakefield Trinity’s Darren Dean, Connor Lynes and Ben Nicholson share about their physical disabilities, passion for Rugby League and life beyond the footy field.
Nerang RSL Board Member – and footy fanatic, coach of league referees and the night’s official emcee – Lloyd Evans, said the Nerang RSL was pleased to present the Titans with a cheque and welcome Darren, Connor and Ben for a fantastic night in support of the Men of League Foundation.
“The recent Big Talk night held at Nerang RSL was one for the history books! It was fantastic the Nerang RSL was able to present a cheque to the Titans in support of their Physical Disability Rugby League Team and have Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell, Executive Chairman Dennis Watt, Community and Game Development Officer Renee Cohen and their latest signing, English International Kallum Watkins at the RSL. It was also nice to
see the local community come together to hear Darren, Connor and Ben, all the way from the UK, share their stories and passion for Rugby League,” said Lloyd.
“The Nerang RSL is proud to be able to provide a donation to help with the costs associated with hosting a physical disability game. There are many individuals who can’t partake in League at high-end levels because of
physical disability, whether due to aspects like Cerebral Palsy or injury resulting from an accident, and, as part of their community work the Gold Coast Titans formed the Physical Disability Rugby League team which allows players with physical disability to get involved in modified games, be part of a team and have some fun on the footy field.
“Big Talk also saw the likes of English fullback Paul Charlton, halfback for Australia Dennis Ward, centre for Australia Bob Honan and New Zealand half-back Graeme Farrar join us. It was fantastic to see the Rugby League community, and the wider community, come together to enjoy all the night had to offer while raising money for the Men of League Foundation.”
Following Big Talk at the Nerang RSL, Darren, Connor and Ben were treated like NRL royalty.
“The boys took to the field and played against the GCTPDRL team as part of the Legends team, which in the past has included the likes of Scott Prince and Preston Campbell, in a curtain-raiser before the Titans took on the Broncos at CBUS Stadium last month,” Lloyd said.
“It was great to see the excitement and the smiles on the boys’ faces as they took to the field to partake in a sport they love.
“Darren, Connor and Ben were also taken under the wing of the Melbourne Storm, who kindly gave the boys a unique game-day experience, including a tour of the Storm’s dressing room before their game against the Titans last month.”
Lloyd said the Nerang RSL, a community-centric club, couldn’t pass up the opportunity to support the boys on their adventure ‘Down Under,’ invite them to Big Talk, and, showcase the Club’s support for GCTPDRL.
“It was humbling to play a part in Darren, Connor and Ben’s experience in Australia and great to know that we’ve been able to assist the GCTPDRL,” said Lloyd.
“The Nerang RSL is ecstatic both parties came along to our Big Talk night, which is always held in support of a great cause. The Nerang RSL has donated around $30,000 to the Men of League Foundation to date and our relationship only continues to move from strength to strength.
“I encourage everyone to keep an eye out for our next event and come along. It’s always a fantastic night and everyone is welcome whether Nerang RSL members, footy fanatics, families or kids!”
For further information on the Men of League Foundation, visit www.menofleague.com
Locals supporting locals has long been engrained in the culture at Nerang RSL and Memorial Club and last month the support was RAMPED UP with over $20K donated by the Nerang RSL to a number of locals and community groups as part of the Club’s Community Fund Donation Initiative in July.
An impressive $20,750 was donated by the Nerang RSL in the recent round of Community Fund Donation presentations held at the Club and Nerang RSL and Memorial Club Vice President, Mr Jim Poland presented cheques to each recipient.
Since the inception of its Community Fund Donation initiative in 1996, the Nerang RSL has assisted over 200 groups and individuals from all areas of the community. The initiative aims to support those who would benefit from the additional funds, to assist with costs associated with running and maintaining respective groups and to put individuals in closer stead to reaching their goals.
Nerang RSL and Memorial Club General Manager, Andrew McInnes, said it was particularly humbling to watch on as the Nerang RSL presented over $20,000 at the quarterly donation ceremony in July.
“Showing support to the local community is very important to the Nerang RSL and Memorial Club and it’s very exciting that we’ve been able to donate over $20,000 in this grant period, to numerous groups and individuals,” said Andrew.
A total of six individuals and groups received donations in Round 25 of the Community Fund Donation presentations including the mighty Nerang Cardinals Baseball Club, which received a cheque of $7500 from the Nerang RSL.
The family-oriented Baseball Club has over 300 members ranging in age from four years old to 84 years old, and has a team to suit everyone. The relationship between the Nerang RSL and the Baseball Club spans over ten years and President of the Cardinals Baseball Club Mark Flood said the Club is extremely thankful for the donation and is ecstatic to continue to strengthen its ties with the Nerang RSL.
“Nerang RSL has long been recognised as one of the Nerang Cardinals’ major sponsors and being a non-for-profit organisation, the support of the Nerang RSL goes a long way. We’re very humbled to receive this donation and look forward to continuing to strengthen our ten year relationship with the Nerang RSL,” said Mark.
“Without the support of the Nerang RSL it would be very hard to provide the facilities and equipment necessary to run our Club. Baseball equipment expires quickly, meaning we are frequently upgrading our equipment, so this donation will assist immensely in the purchase of new equipment and helps to ensure we are able to provide the best facilities to our players.
“We have a great relationship with the Nerang RSL and we’re proud to promote the RSL as a major sponsor at events like the Pan Pacific Baseball Games. We have the Nerang RSL logo on the back of our jerseys and regularly hold our Gala Presentations at the Club, which is always a lot of fun.”
The Nerang Cardinals hosts the Pan Pacific Baseball Games every two years as well as international baseball games which help to attract business to the local area. The Baseball Club also opens up its clubhouse on a regular basis for use by community groups such as Crime Stoppers and Neighborhood Watch, and, is currently working toward introducing a Nerang Cardinals Ladies Baseball Team.
“The Nerang Cardinals Baseball Club prides itself on being a family-oriented club and we understand the importance of community supporting community,” said Mark.
“It’s fantastic to be able to have a relationship with groups which foster exactly that, and, it was great to see the community come together at the Nerang RSL’s Community Fund Presentation night.”
Among the list of recipients was the Nerang RSL Netball Club Junior Reps, with four of the club’s representative players each receiving a donation to assist with numerous fees. The Gold Coast Rugby League Referees Association received its second-year sponsorship donation as part of a three-year sponsorship by the Nerang RSL. The Nerang Branch of the Australian Red Cross Society also received a donation to assist in the purchase of two new wheelchairs.
The Nerang BMX Club received a sponsorship to assist with the planning and execution of the 2020 Nerang Nationals, a BMX event the club is set to host which is expected to attract more than 5000 people across four days. Aaron Mullenger also received a donation from the Nerang RSL and for numerous years has been a competitor in the TREC FOR REC race, a 7.5km foot race helping to raise funds for Gold Coast Sports and Recreation for the Disabled. The race helps instill confidence and self-esteem whilst encouraging many young people to reach their best potential and in previous years, Aaron has been the top fundraiser.
Nerang RSL and Memorial Club would like to thank and congratulate all recipients. For more information on the Community Fund Donation initiative, please contact the Nerang RSL or download a community funding application from our home page.
A helping hand never goes astray and over eight years ago, Nerang RSL and Memorial Club had the vision to provide exactly that, a helping hand no matter how big or small.
Recognising the need for additional support for community-based groups and their endeavors to raise funds for varying projects, Nerang RSL established its Helping Hands initiative which to date has provided assistance to over 100 groups and organisations within the local community.
The initiative sees members of community groups involved in Helping Hands, and their friends, family, and neighbors (to name a few!), sit back, relax and enjoy a bite to eat at Nerang RSL. To say ‘thank you’ for dining in and providing a helping hand in return, Nerang RSL provides a donation to the community group.
Nerang RSL and Memorial Club General Manager, Andrew McInnes, said the Helping Hands initiative has become engrained in the Club’s culture and he is humbled to see it thriving years later.
“In the spirit of being a pillar of support within the community, Nerang RSL and Memorial Club had the vision to extend its support even wider to groups that might benefit from some extra support,” said Andrew.
“Helping Hands is now a thriving community initiative which sees community groups involved in the initiative, receive $5.00 for every voucher presented with a main meal purchased to the value of $16.90 or more at our renowned Gallipoli Bistro & Bar on any given Monday night.
“The Helping Hands Initiative has become engrained in the Nerang RSL’s culture and has helped to strengthen relationships within the local community as well as develop new ones. To not only receive support from local community groups, but also know Helping Hands has helped, and continues to help, numerous groups within our local community is humbling.”
One of the many community groups that have been involved with Helping Hands is Ashmore Scout Group. The group has over 100 kids across its Joey, Cub, Scouts and Venturer Scouts sections and sets out to promote and enhance the physical, intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional development of youth members so they can take a constructive place in society as responsible citizens, and as members of their local, national and international communities.
Ashmore Scouts first became involved with Helping Hands in 2013 and current adult member Robyn Buglar, or Possum as she’s more commonly known around the Scouts Den!, said it’s fantastic to see locals helping locals within the community.
“Initiatives like Helping Hands truly brings people together, strengthens ties within the community and is a nice way of showing support for one another,” said Robyn.
“The funds Ashmore Scouts has received from involvement with the Helping Hands initiative has assisted with the tasks and responsibilities that come with running a community group…it all helps one way or another.”
Robyn has been involved in all things camping, hiking and rock climbing to orienteering, open Fire cooking and guiding youth as a leader at Ashmore Scouts for over 18 years and said it’s a fantastic opportunity for youth to get involved in the community, develop new skills and overcome challenges all whilst having lots of fun.
“Scouts is youth-led and adult-supervised so it’s great to get involved in programs like Scouts because it’s an opportunity to learn and develop across numerous facets and as youth move through the program, they become more reliable and self-sufficient,” said Robyn.
“The kids get involved in many community aspects and just last year, some of our Scouts put together parcels to send to the men and women fighting overseas. There are also opportunities to get involved in fundraising and events like Cuborees for the Cub section, Venturer for the Venture section and World Jamborees which each other the opportunity to come together for a range of exciting activities and to meet new friends alike.
“It’s great to have initiatives within our community that bring people together and also to have places like the Nerang RSL and Scouts that foster that sense of community.”
The sacrifice and selflessness of our Anzacs isn’t forgotten amongst the local younger generation with students from Nerang State High School gearing up for another theatrical performance, telling the story of the Spirit of the Anzac, to be shown at this year’s dawn service.
Preparations for this year’s video are ‘bigger and better’ than ever before with student participation and efforts at a record high. The captivating visuals and performance have become well and truly entrenched in Nerang’s service and the students’ respect and acknowledgement deepens each year.
The Nerang RSL Sub Branch and Nerang RSL Memorial Club prides itself on honouring tradition while also incorporating engaging technology to connect, educate and inspire the younger generation.
With 2018 having marked the Final year of the Anzac Centenary, veteran and Nerang RSL and Memorial Club Sub Branch committee member, Mark Swain, said the production is a special way of highlighting the centennial anniversary of World War One (WW1) and ensuing battles and conflicts, to the declaration of the Second World War (WW11) in 1939.
“Students from Nerang State High School have been involved in Nerang RSL Sub Branch and Nerang RSL Memorial Club’s Anzac Day commemorations for the past few years and it’s heartening to see the students continue to be a part of sharing the stories behind the events that have shaped our nation and people,” he said.
“The students led the lights, camera, and action on the production which begins with a small group of veterans of the war, played by students, sitting in a cafe and sharing their experiences as veterans and how they navigated the war and survived.
“The story will not only provide insight into Australia’s involvement in WW1 but also aspects including the partition of soldiers, the homecoming, the Great Depression, Hitler coming into power and all the major battles, conflicts and campaigns of the Western Front as well as events of the Middle East.
“A nurse narrates the story and provides a raw insight of facts and statistics before the film concludes with the declaration of WW11 and a nod to the generational turnover leading into the Second World War.”
The production, which was filmed in March, has provided an opportunity for more students to be involved in Nerang RSL and Memorial Club’s Anzac Day commemorations.
“Students were able to get involved not only in front of the cameras but also behind the scenes with filming and audio, to all-things editing,” said Mark.
“It’s great to see students, alongside veterans, cadets and volunteers across the region actively involved in sharing the Anzac legacy each year.”
President of Nerang RSL Sub Branch, Stewart McGettigan, says it is humbling to see the community gather each year to pay respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“The Nerang RSL Sub Branch and Nerang RSL Memorial Club’s Anzac Day Service is renowned as one of our largest and most respected events of the year, and attracts people from as far as South-East Queensland,” he said.
“It is a significant morning of remembrance and the peaceful moments of dawn allows locals to unite and reflect upon the mateship, courage, and sacrifice of not only the original Anzacs, but those servicemen and women involved in all wars, conicts and peacekeeping operations.”
Nerang RSL Sub Branch and Nerang RSL Memorial Club’s Dawn Service will commence at 4.45am followed by an Anzac Day March at 9.40am and the main service at 10am.
Nerang RSL and Memorial Club would like to congratulate member, Neville Thomas, who was named Sports Person of the Year for 2018 at the club’s AGM held on Sunday 17th February.
Neville, a long time member of Nerang RSL Social Golf Club, regularly volunteers his time to the Golf Club and is an all round supporter of Nerang RSL.
Nerang RSL Social Golf Club secretary and treasurer, Ben Hides, said Neville was nominated by the Social Golf Club for his display of sportsmanship, hard work and ongoing involvement,
and is a well-deserving recipient of Sports Person of the Year for 2018.
“If I were to go back on previous years, I could give you lots of amazing stuff Nev has done for us but when focusing on 2018, there’s definitely a few things that stand out and these
were included in Neville’s nomination for Sports Person of the Year,” he said.
“Neville volunteers his own time at each game, and afterwards, as the club’s handicapper which can often be time consuming. He keeps track of everyone’s scores and supplies his own books, folders and pens to get the job done without complaint…except of those he receives from players who get their handicap cut down when they come in with a win and pro-like scoring. It’s all in jest though and he cops it on the chin with a grin.
“Neville also assists Stretch and I by organising golfers into teams and their carts, and helps advise golfers of the rules of the game-play for the day. He has a great knowledge of the game and its official rules so depending on what games we play and where necessary, he helps the club by fixing score cards after games to ensure the correct scores are given dependent on handicaps and how hard the hole is ranked on that course.”
And it’s not just the organisational side of the game that he has a handle on, but also the green itself. Neville never missed a game in 2018 and was awarded two trophies at the Golf Club’s end of year presentations.
“Neville didn’t miss one game in 2018, attended our end of year trip away and was awarded two trophies, one for the most points scored over the year for A Grade and another for the most ‘longest drives’ recorded in 2018, at our end of year presentations which are scored and decided by the club president,” said Ben.
“These are just some of the fantastic aspects that make Neville a well-deserving recipient of this award. Neville is a great golfer, fantastic guy and a supporter of both the Social Golf Club and Nerang RSL and we’re very grateful for all he does, and the Social Golf Club is proud to see Nev named as Sports Person of the Year for 2018.”
Nerang RSL would also like to congratulate Sylvia Cope who was nominated by the Nerang RSL Swimming Club for her swimming achievements, determination and spirit as well as senior coordinator and foundation member of the Nerang RSL Netball Club, Eden Crabtree, who was nominated for her loyalty, commitment and dedication to coaching, playing and umpiring at Nerang RSL Netball Club.
The Nerang RSL Sub Branch has expanded its welfare services, on the back of a grant from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Veteran and Community Grants Program, and welcomed a new set of wheels!
The Nerang RSL Sub Branch van, an LDV G10 People Mover, is equipped with nine seats and a spacious interior for extra ease and comfort for its guests.
Nerang RSL Sub Branch Secretary, David Barnicoat, says the Sub Branch is extremely grateful for the vehicle which will be used to assist veterans and their families.
“The Sub Branch is very thankful for the grant received which has greatly assisted us in the purchase of this new vehicle and has enabled the Sub Branch to expand our services for veterans and the local community,” said David.
“The vehicle is used to assist veterans who might require some additional help or don’t have access to the required facilities to get to places they need to be.
“The van is operated by our volunteers at the Sub Branch who pick up and drop off those who require transport, whether it is for meetings that our Sub Branch members might need to attend, or doctor’s appointments and general transportation.”
David says the vehicle is a welcomed addition to the Sub Branch, particularly with the new year ahead and plans for the Sub Branch to expand its support network.
“One of the key objectives of the Sub Branch is to continue to support veterans and their families and deliver on our commitments, while also being in a position to help out further in the community.
“The volunteers at the Sub Branch look forward to helping out where needed and having a chat along the way to those who use the service.”
For more information, please contact the Sub Branch at Nerang RSL.
Get To Know The Man Behind The Legend, held at the Nerang RSL and Memorial Club in support of the Men of League Foundation, will return next month to see the local community gather with mateship and compassion over a BBQ, bevvies and all things footy!
The Men of League Foundation provides support to those involved in the mighty game of Rugby League at any level. Whether players, coaches and referee officials or administrators, club volunteers and beyond, the foundation provides assistance to those who have fallen on challenging times and require support from their own.
Nerang RSL and Memorial Club has been involved with the foundation for over six years and RSL Board Member – and footy fanatic, coach of league referees and the night’s official emcee – Lloyd Evans, says Nerang RSL is pleased to continue supporting the initiative.
“Within Rugby League or any part of the community, there is always going to be someone who is facing a hard time and requires help whether financial, emotional, medical or another type of assistance,” said Lloyd.
“Nerang RSL is honoured to be able to do its part in supporting fantastic initiatives like Men of League so that the foundation can continue to help change lives.
“To date Nerang RSL has donated around $30,000 through its Punters’ Club, footy tipping, the NRL Calcutta, raffles and donations raised at our annual Men of League nights.
“It’s always humbling to see the local community gather with a sense of mateship and teamwork, two pillars the game has been built on, and I have no doubt they will again for what will be Nerang RSL’s seventh season supporting the foundation.”
The night has previously attracted footy stars including Tommy Raudonikis OAM, Ben Hannant and Chris Lawler and this year will see ex Kangaroos and Manly Sea Eagles player and past coach of South Sydney Rabbitohs, Steve Martin, take to the microphone.
Aptly named ‘Get To Know The Man Behind The Legend,’ Lloyd says the event allows the community to do just that, with plenty of snags and bevvies to go around.
“The purpose of Nerang RSL’s Get To Know The Man Behind The Legend is to raise a dollar for Men of League in a way that the community can enjoy themselves,” said Lloyd.
“People generally have an idea of what players have done throughout their career and what they’ve achieved, but often times we don’t know how they got there, about their families or events that made them who they are today.
“It’s an opportunity to get to know the player beyond the footy field and in the past our speakers have really opened up and we’ve been able to learn so much about them. It’s great to see the players often stick around to chat to the community and mingle with the members over a BBQ put on by the RSL.
“I encourage the community to come along to the next event and everyone is welcome whether Nerang RSL members, footy fanatics, families or kids! It’s a great night and what makes it even better is that it’s all in support of a fantastic cause.”
For further information on the Men of League Foundation, visit www.menofleague.com
Nerang RSL’s official Pig Out Pie Eating Contest made its debut over the Australia Day weekend and local pie fanatic, Chad ‘Froman’ Jones, put on a champion show to secure the top spot in the contest, now set to be held annually at the club.
The competition saw five entrants battle it out to see who could consume six pies or be the first to finish all six of their pies – in just six minutes.
With a crowd of onlookers and supporters, pies were demolished by the minute and it was Chad, 26, who managed to scoff all six pies in an astounding two minutes and 13 seconds – with room for dessert afterward.
Chad, who has competed in a number of eating competitions across the country, says he couldn’t look past the opportunity to get involved in Nerang RSL’s Pig Out Pie Eating Contest.
“My friends tagged me in a post for the Pig Out Pie Eating Contest on Facebook so I messaged Ben at the RSL to confirm there was a place in the contest and what the rules were and it went from there,” he said.
“I went into the contest feeling quite confident and had done a couple of practice runs in the lead-up, which involved timing myself and trialing different techniques so that I could stick to the fastest tactic for the contest.
“I was focussed on eating the pies as fast as I could and although they were quite hot, I didn’t let it phase me and kept on powering through. Capacity wise it was easy and I ended up having dessert afterward,” he laughed.
Chad has made history as Nerang RSL’s first Pig Out Pie Eating Contest winner and for his champion efforts on the day, the RSL’s pie of the day for the next year has been named ‘Froman Special Pie Of The Day.’
“It is pretty awesome to have a pie named after me. I’ve won a few eating competitions before, but I’ve never had food named after me,” said Chad.
“Nerang RSL’s Pig Out Pie Eating Contest is my favourite eating contest I’ve done so far because the crowd was like no other. Everyone was cheering us on and it was a really great atmosphere to be part of.
“I’m stoked to be the first official Pig Out Pie Eating Contest winner and I’ll absolutely be back next year!”