Sold out bash to mark rugby anniversary

Event committee members said the tickets were put up for sale about five weeks ago and within two weeks, they were sold out. The committee introduced a waiting list and increased the number of tickets available.

“There’s over 600 people coming and we have a waiting list,” Sarah Hickey said.

Players and supporters past and present will gather to commemorate the long history of the club and catch up with old friends. 

Don Ewing will recount the days gone by and guests will dine under a massive marquee complete with flooring and a dance space.

Following a three-course meal, four commemorative club jerseys will be auctioned with proceeds to go to the club. 

Photographer Paul Matthew will use his lens to capture past and present players to mark the occasion.

Local band The Polypipes and DJ Daddy Dolla$ will keep guests entertained throughout the evening.

The clubhouse will open at 4pm to allow people to catch up before the ball begins at 6pm.

“We’ve got a heap of oldies coming from out of town. Heaps of ex-players and supporters coming, which is pretty cool,” Ms Hickey said.

Members of the 1976 reserve grade will celebrate 40 years since they won the Central North premiership.

Ms Hickey and fellow committee member Marg Amos said the black tie event was a good opportunity for people to come back to Gunnedah to network.

“For the boys, it’s good to have a catch up and see how the club’s going,” Ms Hickey said.

Ms Hickey said she had received a good response from community members offering their assistance with the ball preparations. 

Penelope McArthur will be making the commemorative cake which will be cut during the ball.

An online auction in support of the Costello family is currently live with a wide range of items available for purchase, including accommodation, concerts tickets and a guitar signed by Keith Urban, signed jerseys, aerobatic stunt flight and shark diving tour tickets. To participate in the auction, visit galabid.com/alex

If you would like to volunteer your time to assist the event committee, phone 0477 420 820.