Introducing the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

by Chelsea Cryer | Sep 11, 2023 | Latest News, National

Australian Oztag are pleased to announce the recent inductions into the Australian Oztag Hall of Fame: Justin Brown, Karen Breaden and Ross Thomas.

Australian Oztag (AO) congratulate the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees – Justin Brown, Karen Breaden and Ross Thomas, who have been recognised for their outstanding service to the Australian Tagaroos and the game of Oztag.

In August, Justin, Karen and Ross all attended the 2023 ITF Tag World Cup in Ireland where their achievement was announced at the official Australian Tagaroos function.

It was an incredible opportunity for the Australian Tagaroos squad to acknowledge and honour their many accolades over the years.

Justin Brown first represented the Tagaroos in 2001 and has continued to play for Australia for 18 years. He has progressed from the Mens 30’s through to the Mens 50’s, recognised for his strong leadership and unwavering sportsmanship. He has also contributed to the sport in coaching local juniors and captain-coaching his local, state and national senior teams.

Karen Breaden of the ACT Cougars region first represented the Tagaroos in 2003 and has continued to do so for 16 years as a Coach. She has been recognised for her thorough knowledge of the game and unwavering commitment to her players. Karen has become a true ambassador for the sport, embodying the spirit of dedication, sportsmanship, and leadership.

Ross Thomas of the Illawarra Steelers region first represented the Tagaroos in 2003 and has continued to represent his country for 16 years. As both a player and coach, Ross leads with commitment and passion. His humour, sportsmanship and genuine encouragement makes him a highly valued member of the Oztag community.  

With only 20 people coming before them, it is a great achievement and one that is highly respected among the Oztag community.

Australian Tagaroos historian and long-serving Hall of Famer, Gary Kinkade commended the recipients on their achievement.   

“Justin, Ross and Karen are so deserving of this honour due to their incredible and dedicated service to Australian Oztag and in particular the Australian Tagaroos,” Kinkade said.

“All three are true ambassadors of our great game and have represented the Tagaroos for 18, 16 and 16 years respectively,”

“They continue to assist, support and represent the game at the grass roots, National and International level,” Kinkade said.

Congratulations to Justin, Karen and Ross on their worthy induction into the Australian Oztag Hall of Fame.

Australian Oztag Hall of Fame list

East Coast Dolphins Donate Nationals Prize Money

by Chelsea Cryer | Mar 7, 2023 | Latest News, National

Senior Australian Region Champions, the East Coast Dolphins have made a generous donation of their $2000 prize money to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Respiratory Department.

The East Coast Dolphins were crowned Region Champions following the wide success of their teams at the 2022 Senior Nationals tournament in November.

Consisting of Sutherland Shire (Cronulla), South East Sydney (Souths), Engadine Heathcote, Northern Sydney and Northern Beaches senior associations, the Dolphins region were awarded with $2000 prize money.

Passionate about giving back to their community, the Dolphins committee made the generous decision to donate all proceeds to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Respiratory Department.

On behalf of the East Coast Dolphins committee, Jodi Lehmann, from Sutherland Shire Senior Oztag, commented on the reason behind their choice of charity.   

“We chose the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation as it’s one that’s close to our heart… we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to give back to a charity that has directly helped players within our Dolphins community,” Jodi said.

“We appreciate everything this charity does to help and support young children,” she said.

The Respiratory Department at the Sydney Children’s Hospital (SCH), Randwick provides care to children with a wide range of respiratory conditions.

The department work tirelessly to support these children and their families, while striving to find cures for rare lung diseases so that young people can live their best lives.

The donation from the East Coast Dolphins will be used to support the department’s ongoing work, helping to fund vital equipment, provide programs, enhance staffing and support new research initiatives.

“Many of the conditions that the respiratory team at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick treat are invisible, yet have a huge impact on the lives of our patients and their families – attending school or day care, going on school camp or participating in sport,” a representative from SCHF said.

“From all of us here at SCHF we would like to thank the incredible generosity of the East Coast Dolphins Oztag team for their donation to the respiratory unit at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick… Thank you for going all in for kids’ health,” they said.

The East Coast Dolphins generosity will have a real and lasting impact on the lives of sick children and their families, and will help to support the ongoing work of the SCH Respiratory Department.

To make your own donation to the SCHF, please see below.

West Sydney Tigercubs Donate Nationals Prize Money

by Chelsea Cryer | Feb 7, 2023 | Latest News, National

Junior Australian Region Champions, the West Sydney Tigercubs have donated their entire prize money to two charitable organisations – The Starlight Children’s Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The West Sydney Tigercubs, consisting of Nepean, Hills Bulls and Norwest Junior associations, dominated the 2022 Junior Nationals tournament, where seven of their teams were crowned champions.

Awarded with a total of $2000, the Tigers committee generously agreed to donate all their prize money – with $1000 donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation and $1000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

On behalf of the Tigers committee, Stuart Hartley, Nepean Oztag Licensee, addressed the group’s decision to donate to these organisations.

“Our decision to support these charities is their direct relationship with children,” Stuart said.

“We’d also like to thank Australian Oztag for the opportunity to support these charities through the Championship prize money,” he said.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation (SCF) is a non-profit organisation that aims to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families during their time of need.

It provides entertainment, education, and support services to children in hospitals and communities across Australia.

“A huge thank you to Oztag for your very generous donation, we really can’t thank you enough,” Stacey, a representative from the SCF said.

“Know that your support really helps Starlight to bring fun, joy and laughter to seriously ill kids and their families because happiness really matters!” Stacey said.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) on the other hand, provides accommodation and support services to families with seriously ill children.

The organisation operates a network of houses around the world, providing families with a home away from home during their child’s treatment.

“On behalf of Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney, it is absolutely heart-warming to see your generosity surround our families,” RMHC Fundraising Coordinator, George Tsokos said.

“When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, it impacts the whole family. This is why your donation is so important… You give them a place to feel safe and supported when they need it the most… Thank you for making an everlasting difference,” George said.

The donation from the West Sydney Tigercubs proves the positive impact that sports can have on the community – the act of giving back and making a difference in the lives of others.

To make your own donation to the SCF or the RMHC, please see below.