Queensland Reds Angus Blyth and Floyd Aubrey have joined Buildcorp tradies for a much-needed makeover of Everton Park Junior Rugby Club.
The working bee blitz to replace rusted metal perimeter fencing, upgrade a water refill station, recondition outdoor furniture and add a fresh coat of paint were all much-needed.
The midweek mission was all part of rugby partner Buildcorp giving back to grassroots rugby with expertise and manpower.
“We call ourselves ‘the little club with the big heart’. We are run by volunteers and parents so to have Buildcorp and Queensland Rugby donate the time and skills to help us was amazing,” said Julia Thurgood, the Everton Park JRC President.
“The club is 50-years-old and the perimeter fence that was falling down was nearly as old. To have a new fence, help with the water station and prep for painting is huge for us."
Everton Park RFC, on Brisbane’s inner northside, caters for around 260 rugby-loving kids from six-to-16.
The upgrade followed Buildcorp working bees at Redlands and Redcliffe Rugby Clubs last year.
All the improvements will be felt throughout the new season.
“What we can take care of in a quick day rather than a club struggle through for a whole season really makes a difference,” said Mike Currie, Buildcorp (Queensland) General Manager.
“While we work with some really high-calibre tradespeople day in, day out, the impact they can have at a community club is significant.
“Giving back to the community has been stitched into the fabric of Buildcorp since inception and the association with club rugby in many states goes back more than 30 years.”
Buildcorp’s $30-plus million construction project to build the National Rugby Training Centre (NRTC) and the new McLean Stand at Ballymore is already having worthy spin-offs.
The rugby-minded company has stepped up as naming rights partner for the Reds Academy. For lock Blyth, getting on the sander is a different way of being involved in rugby,
“As players, we’ve all came through the grassroots so it’s good to give back to local clubs around Brisbane. I’m sure the clubs appreciate it,” Blyth said.
