Champagnat Trust Sports Lunch

On behalf of the Marist College Ashgrove Foundation Board and the Champagnat Trust Sports Lunch Committee, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of those in our community who attended or contributed to the annual Champagnat Trust Sports Lunch hosted at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Friday.

This year, the event featured a panel of sporting legends, including Nova Peris, Sir Richard Hadlee, and Daniel Herbert, hosted by our co-patron, John Eales. They delighted us with their captivating stories from their illustrious sporting careers. Additionally, we had the privilege of hosting Noel Pearson as our Special Guest Speaker. Noel Pearson, a notable Australian Indigenous leader, lawyer, and activist, graciously shared his profound perspectives on Indigenous empowerment and the crucial mission of bridging the gaps in education, employment, and overall well-being. Steve Waugh and Brad Hogg also joined John Eales on stage as special guests, soon after announcing their new program “The Hunt.” Lastly, we were honoured to witness the heartfelt tribute to the late Mark Peatey, a 1989 Marist Old Boy, as Marist Old Boy Pat Howard joined Lance Peatey on stage.

The 19th annual Sports Lunch was a huge success, with a remarkable turnout of 900 guests. The 2023 Sports Lunch brought together members of our college family, fostering the spirit of camaraderie, with the goal of raising funds for bursaries to support boys from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Since its inception, the Trust has provided over 100 young boys with the invaluable opportunity and privilege to fulfil their potential through a Marist education. Although we are still crunching numbers, this year, thanks to the generous contributions made through auctions, raffles, and donations, we are proud to have raised over $100,000.00.

We would like to emphasise that the success of the Champagnat Trust Sports Lunch would not have been possible without your incredible generosity and kindness. Your support and attendance have left us deeply honoured and exceedingly grateful. A special thanks to those who volunteered their time on the committee including Tony Byrne, Brett Gillett, Kath Brassington, Bethany Halpin, Richard Graham, and Ellen Kassulke.

In 2024, we are excited to bring you the 20th Champagnat Trust Sports Lunch on Friday, 31 May. If you would like to be a part of this momentous occasion, please do not hesitate to contact Ellen Kassulke (Event Coordinator) at events@marash.qld.ed.au.

Please visit the Champagnat Trust Sports Lunch page on Facebook for all photos from the day and to keep up with future announcements.

Event Partners

Bronze Sponsors

Event Supporters

Platinum Tables

Champagnat Trust

The Champagnat Trust was established in 2005 by the College Foundation with Old Boys’ John Eales as Patron and later Matthew Hayden as co-patron. Named in honour of the Founder of the Marist Brothers, the Champagnat Trust emphasises and expresses those Marist traditions we hold dear. Each year the Trust provides bursaries for boys from families that are financially disadvantaged and might never have the opportunity to experience a Marist education.

Continuing Marist’s proud tradition of not providing scholarships for sport or academic merit, the Champagnat Trust bursaries enhance and celebrate the diversity of the College community and generates opportunities for students to make friendships with boys from all walks of life.

The Champagnat Trust Bursary is for tuition, boarding and compulsory fees for day boys and boarders.