ANZAC tribute at Dolphins V Storm game

As Anzac Day approaches, Queensland-based developer Ausbuild has teamed up with Dolphins NRL and This Story Australia for a special community tribute to Australia’s veterans.

Eight veterans will form a Guard of Honour as Dolphins players enter Suncorp Stadium on Friday to face four-time NRL Premiers Melbourne Storm.

And watching from the packed stands, as guests of the Dolphins’ Official Community Sponsor Ausbuild and This Story Australia, will be dozens of representatives from support groups.

“This is about giving our veterans visibility, respect and the recognition they so richly deserve,” Ausbuild Joint Managing Drirector Matthew Bell says.

“To stand on the field in front of thousands of people is not just an honour — it’s a powerful way to acknowledge their service and sacrifice.”

Ausbuild, which has extended its partnership with Dolphins NRL by two years to the end of 2027 season, chose This Story Australia as its community partner for Friday’s match.

Based in Redcliffe, This Story Australia is a not-for-profit organisation which preserves the lived experiences of veterans from World War II through to those currently serving.

Founder and CEO Jeff Hughes says, being a week from Anzac Day, it “seemed fitting” to share Friday’s Ausbuild tickets among veterans’ groups.

“We know what wonderful work is being done within these organisations,” he says.

“It seemed only right to use this match as a big thank you for all the effort which put in by so many good people.”

The Guard of Honour will be formed by Sean Mulqueen OAM, President of the 42for42 and an Afghanistan veteran; Michael Lorrigan, founder of Two 14 Coffee Co and Afghanistan veteran and Ricky Prout, owner Venturer Tech and a Timor veteran.

Also, Jason Claassen, currently serving in the Australian Army; Doug Sheridan, founding director Army Sniper Association; Noel Pope, First Nations Vietnam veteran; Steve Collins, First Nations Vietnam veteran; Robyn Green, nurse and a Rwanda veteran.

Guests will include Daniel Keighran VC and Young Australian of the Year nominee Dylan Conway.

Support groups receiving Ausbuild/This Story Australia tickets are The 42 for 42, Wandering Warriors, Brothers N Books, RedSix, PTSD Resurrected, Commando Welfare Trust and Disaster Relief Australia.

During the past three seasons, Ausbuild’s community partnership with Dolphins has delivered more than $200,000 in value and support to the community, including frontline workers, youth sporting clubs, schools, unpaid family carers, disability services and veterans.

“We look forward to building on this legacy over the next three years,” Mr Bell says.

Dolphins NRL CEO Terry Reader says: “Ausbuild has shown what real community leadership looks like, their commitment to supporting local heroes, from sporting clubs to schools, carers and veterans, has made a meaningful difference.

“We’re excited to extend our partnership and continue delivering impact on and off the field.”

The Dolphins NRL match against Melbourne Storm kicks off at 8pm on Friday.