Veterans presented with signed Dolphins ANZAC Round jersey
Veterans from RSL Queensland's Brisbane North District have been presented with a team-signed Dolphins ANZAC Round jersey, commemorating a memorable game-day experience shared by more than 150 veterans and their families earlier this season.
The presentation took place during the Dolphins' Captain's Run at Kayo Stadium this morning, where Ausbuild and the Dolphins also announced they have extended their partnership through to the end of the 2029 NRL season.
The District was selected as the Ausbuild Community Partner for the Dolphins' Round 9 clash against the Melbourne Storm – the club's closest Brisbane home game to ANZAC Round.
More than 150 veterans and their families from RSL sub-branches across Brisbane North attended the match, with selected veterans taking part in the Ausbuild Guard of Honour before kick-off and being recognised on the big screen at Suncorp Stadium.
Among them was RSL Brisbane North District President Mark Orreal, who served 21 years in the Australian Army and now serves on the District Board and as President of the Samford Avenue of Honour Association.
"When we were selected, it was difficult to narrow down who would attend because we have so many Dolphins supporters across our RSL community," Mr Orreal said.
"Our Brisbane North District represents more than 20 RSL Sub Branches, so bringing veterans and their families together from places like Redcliffe, Deception Bay, Samford and Sandgate made the experience even more special.
"Being part of the Guard of Honour was an incredible opportunity and it was wonderful to spend the evening with our families and fellow veterans. I also received so many heartfelt messages from those who attended."
The team-signed ANZAC Round jersey, from the Dolphins' commemorative fixture in New Zealand earlier this season, was presented during the Captain's Run.
"We're incredibly honoured to receive the signed jersey," Mr Orreal said.
"It will take pride of place within our District as a lasting reminder of the respect shown to our veterans and the wonderful experience our members were able to share together."
The jersey presentation is one of many initiatives delivered through the Ausbuild and Dolphins partnership, which recognises a different charity, school, sporting club or community organisation at every Dolphins home game.
During Friday's presentation, Ausbuild and the Dolphins also announced the partnership has been extended through to the end of the 2029 NRL season, continuing a shared commitment to creating opportunities for local charities, schools, sporting clubs and community organisations.
Now in its fourth season, the partnership has supported more than 40 community groups, distributed more than 7,200 tickets and game-day experiences, delivered more than $280,000 worth of community experiences and raised more than $65,000 through community fundraising initiatives.
As part of the renewed partnership, Ausbuild will also expand its presence on game day, with the company's branding to feature on the Dolphins' playing shorts alongside its existing position on the club's training jersey.
Ausbuild Joint Managing Director Matthew Bell said the partnership had always been about giving back to the communities the company helps build.
"When we first partnered with the Dolphins, we made a commitment that this would be much more than a sponsorship," Mr Bell said.
"As a home builder, we're passionate about creating communities, but it's the people within them who make those communities special.
"Seeing more than 150 veterans and their families enjoy such a memorable experience is exactly why this partnership exists. It's about recognising the people and organisations who give so much to others and creating moments they'll never forget.
"We're incredibly proud to extend our partnership through to 2029 and look forward to creating many more opportunities for local community organisations in the seasons ahead."
Dolphins Chief Executive Officer Terry Reader said the partnership with Ausbuild had become about much more than sponsorship.
"We are very pleased that our partnership with Ausbuild continues to grow," Mr Reader said.
"That partnership is based around the benefits that Ausbuild provides the community organisations they interact with and we are proud to be part of those efforts in our local communities.
"That Ausbuild have been with the Dolphins as a sponsor since before we even kicked a ball in the NRL shows how strong the relationship is."