Thank you.

Dom Punch and his family would like to publicly thank all those who contributed to the function held for his benefit last Sunday at Marcellin Park.

In a three week period, the organising committee from Maitland Rugby Union’s 1877 Club transformed what was to be their own fundraiser into what became quite an extraordinary outpouring of support for Dom. People attended the function from all sections of the Maitland community and beyond giving generously of their time, energy and finances to support Dom’s present care and his ongoing needs. This alone spoke volumes about the way in which the community of Maitland cares for one of its own. We have never been so proud of Maitland and its people.

As a family we are humbly grateful to the organising committee from Maitland Rugby’s 1877 Club: Peter Hodges, Todd Bowd, Mita Watini, David Johnson and Danny Lewer, and also to Dan Gollan, Pat Howard and Ben Emmett from Maitland Rugby Club who worked so tirelessly.

We also thank Janine Redman from the George Tavern (Dom’s work place) and the many hotels who worked in partnership to shape this event.

We thank all who volunteered their labour to enable the event to run so smoothly, and all the businesses and individuals who contributed auction items and made generous donations. Thank you also to Peter Fitzsimons and Mike Hussey for their entertaining speeches.

Finally we thank Josh Callinan for his excellent work in facilitating events both on the day and in preparation behind the scenes.

Michael and Barbara Punch