Armidale Blues Rugby and Netball Club will take on the Royal Military College – Duntroon in a day of competition to raise funds for Soldier On and the RSL Foundation in memory of Michael Fussell, who was killed in service in Afghanistan in 2008.
Michael Fussell Memorial Day, organised by Mike’s brother, Dan Fussell, will be held at Duntroon’s Portsea Oval on Saturday 14 October. It is an opportunity to bring together two aspects of Mike’s life: growing up playing competitive sports in Armidale and his later military career. These two teams coming together to play the game he loved is a fitting tribute to Mike, his passions, his service, and his ultimate sacrifice.
The tournament will include matches between the Armidale Blues and RMC-D women’s netball teams, the Armidale Blues and RMC-D women’s 10s rugby teams and the Armidale Blues 1st Grade and RMC-D 1st Grade men’s rugby teams.
All are welcome, and with pre-match entertainment, a charity auction and local food vendors in addition to the main sporting events, it will be a great family day out.
General admission tickets are just $5, with free tickets for children under 10. VIP tickets are also available, with VIPs enjoying the day from a prime location with a generous food and beverage package included.
All funds raised will be donated to Soldier On and the RSL Foundation, which offer support to serving and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families.
Dan Fussell said bringing Armidale and Duntroon together for this event was a chance to pay tribute to the person his brother was.
“For me personally, the day provides me a chance to remember my brother without bagpipes, the last post, and fanfare,” Dan said. “Instead, it gives me a chance to remember Mike with my family, friends, and the support of so many communities that he was a part of. I will cherish the opportunity to spend a day with them all.”
“I know Mike would be proud that the day held in his memory provides his friends, family and members of the public the chance to show their appreciation for the veteran community at large by supporting an event raising funds for Soldier On and RSL Australia. In doing so, together, we can raise much needed funds for the community that Mike called his brothers and sisters in arms,” Dan said.
Soldier On CEO Amy Cooper said the charity was honoured to be involved with the event. “Michael is an integral part of the Soldier On story. Our charity was founded in his memory, and the work we do every to support veterans and their families is part of his ongoing legacy,” Amy said.
Michael’s death in Afghanistan 2008 was a watershed moment for his friend John Bale, John’s wife Dr Danielle Clout and colleague, Cavin Wilson. The tragedy highlighted to them the need for contemporary veteran and family support services, which inspired the trio to form Soldier On in 2012.
RSL National President Greg Melick said the Memorial Day and the sporting events would provide a fitting and appropriate way of honouring Michael Fussell’s service and ultimate sacrifice for his country. “The funds raised for Soldier On and the RSL Foundation will be invaluable in providing much-needed, ongoing support for veterans and their families,” he said.
Visit soldieron.org.au for more information.
