NRL raffle prize to help house fire family

A premium corporate suite for 14 people and 70 double passes to the Dolphins NRL V Newcastle Knights clash will be used to raise money for a young family left with nothing following a recent house fire.

At 5.30am on March 18, Brooke McCleland and her fiancé Alex, along with their two young children Drew, 3, and Ellie, three months, lost everything in just minutes when a fire engulfed their Tanah Merah home. The blaze also destroyed two cars and claimed the lives of their six-month-old Cavoodle and family cat.

To help this family, community developer and home builder Ausbuild has partnered with Dynamic Bradview Roofing to donate the ultimate NRL experience to the highly anticipated match between the Dolphins and Knights at Suncorp Stadium on April 28.

One lucky winner and 13 friends will catch all the footy action from the comfort of a premium corporate suite enjoying food and beverages. As runners-up prizes, 70 people will win a double pass to the match. Raffle details here

Ausbuild Joint Managing Director Matthew Bell says he is pleased to offer the prizes to raise much-needed funds for Brooke and her family to purchase the essential items to get back on their feet.

“As community partner of the Dolphins, we are privileged to be in a position to connect with the local community and raise awareness and money for social issues impacting communities and its families,” Matthew says.

“As a company, we’ve been incredibly moved by her family’s story of hardship and devastating loss. This is why we’re throwing our support behind this worthwhile cause by organising an online raffle, in partnership with our friends at Dynamic Bradview Roofing.

“All proceeds will go directly back to Brooke and her family to purchase essential household items such as mattresses and bedding, clothes, appliances and prams.

“The best part is, that with every raffle ticket purchased, supporters will not only be going into the draw to win some incredible prizes, they’ll also be helping to rebuild this young family’s life.”

Brooke McCleland explains how, in just minutes, her family lost everything.

“Alex awoke at 5.30am and went to find out what the loud banging was in the garage, when he noticed the house was on fire,” Brooke recalls.

“Thankfully we were able to get the kids out of the house, but we didn’t have time to go back and get the animals, including Luna our six-month-old Cavoodle and our cat Smudge, who both died in the fire.

“We’ve lost a lifetime of memories, everything from baby photos, ashes of our dog Cleo, Alex’s childhood stuffed toys, these can never be replaced.

“I’m so thankful that the family made it out alive, but as we await to find out what insurance will cover, we’re left with just the clothes on our back, and the donated items that our community has kindly provided.

“The money raised from the raffle will truly mean the world, helping us buy the more expensive items that we need to slowly rebuild our life, such as mattresses and bedding for the kids, clothing, as well as home appliances and prams”.

Tickets are on sale now to the raffle, with the winners announced at 9am on Friday, April 26.

For more information on raffle ticket prices and to purchase raffle tickets, visit the website

The prize has been donated by Ausbuild and Dynamic Bradview Roofing, with the support of Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT).