Friends & Foundation

Recently David AO and Barbara Mortimer were honoured at a dinner in the Great Hall and attended by approximately 250 family, supporters, players and rugby people. The purpose of the dinner was to celebrate the Mortimer’s contribution to rugby at the University and beyond. David was instrumental in establishing the SUFC Foundation and has variously been Chairman of the Friends of SUFC; the Foundation; Sydney University Sport and Fitness and led the club as President while Barbara has always been there, right by David’s side.

Guests were welcomed by the Nomads Quartet on the lawns of the University quadrangle and there were tributes from Chair of the Foundation, Jim Cooney; Chancellor of the University, Belinda Hutchinson AC; former 1^st grade captain and winner of multiple Shute Shields, Tim Davidson and long -time sponsors Buildcorp owners Josephine AM and Tony AM Sukkar. Many tales were told and memories revisited. Before David’s and Barbara’s responses, the attendees were entertained by an extraordinary performance of worldclass tenor Diego Torres.

The evening was expertly managed by Andrew Coorey who, as always, did an excellent job.

It was an exceptional evening organised by Ray Dearlove, who conceived the idea of the dinner, John Coorey, Andrew Wennerbom, Tony Mulveney and Jim Cooney and below are the links to the tributes of the evening.

Speech 1, Jim Cooney:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q4mqo1lpea7jnx7mrvpij/01-Speech-v1.mp4?rlkey=3b6kx543xd41wzqwxgcpjfx1i&st=0jfp6opt&dl=0

Speech 2: Belinda Hutchinson

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pqhm2pz0ksp4uowex7am3/02-Speech-v1.mp4?rlkey=cv7zrfs6cihqwmi5io3deumdo&st=7yz84700&dl=0

Speech 3: Tim Davidson

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7mov4etzc7jx4fhpiui2s/03-Speech-v1.mp4?rlkey=atbbdgu2vnw00hp9ejef1m734&st=ugzr21jt&dl=0

Speech 4: Josephine and Tony Sukkar and David and Barbara Mortimer

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o6bufs6x2cnsrca357qze/04-Speech-v1.mp4?rlkey=x1greq6h7a61nch3t6v81t5jz&st=6y6mjvob&dl=0

Diego Torres Opera Singer:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ascdk0d3f3d2nz5sisa36/05-Opera-Singer-v1.mp4?rlkey=913gj9uolzd11e4gde3xe9za5&st=8z5aaekg&dl=0

Friday the 26th of July was 28^th Annual Friends of SUFC dinner at St Andrew’s College. It was a wonderful evening, celebrating and thanking you, the Friends of SUFC.

The Schedule of proceedings is attached for the event with detailed information. A reflection of the evening is below.

Guests were welcomed to St Andrew’s College at the University of Sydney by the traditional Scottish bagpipes, played by a current scholarship student.

We made our way to the Erickson room for pre-dinner drinks and canapes, with wines provided by French Vine. David Lyons, current President of SUFC welcomed the Friends and we then followed the bagpiper as he led us to the delightful and ambient College Chapel to be seated.

Our Chair of the Friends, David Mortimer AO, thanked guests for their support, contributions and involvement with SUFC and Rugby, and introduced John Coorey to propose a toast to the University. John has been involved with SUFC since playing from 1981-1988 and remains involved with Sydney University as Chairman of Council of St John’s College.

In response, Belinda Hutchinson AC, recently retired Chancellor of Sydney University, and current Friend of SUFC, gave a wonderful and informative response on behalf of the University, where she demonstrated a true passion for Sydney University, and will leave a legacy of profound leadership as she moves forward.

A theatrical ode to the haggis was performed by some talented students of Sydney University, attending St Andrew’s College. With haggis ablaze, bagpiper leading, it was presented through the guests to the stage where the ceremonial address originally written by Scottish poet Robert Burns (1786) was made with dramatic effect. The haggis was presented and sliced with vigour with the Scottish sword before being offered to the game amongst us.

We enjoyed the student pianist and chorister, singing ‘World in Union’ (Gustav Holst, Charlie Skarbek, 1991), then we stood for the Australian National Anthem, sung with proud patriotism, followed by ‘Flower of Scotland’. Later we were treated to ‘Ireland’s Call’ and ‘Think of Me’ (Andrew Llyod Webber 1986, Phantom of the Opera).

Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC RAN introduced our distinguished guest speaker, General the Honorable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO, MC (Retd.), and gave a wonderful insight into Sir Peter’s extraordinary contributions to our nation. He also warmly welcomed Lady Lynne Cosgrove, and how special it was to have her join us for the evening.

It was a pleasure to hear from Sir Peter, speaking with humour, self-reflection, humility and demonstrating why he has been an outstanding leader in many official roles, including Chief of Army, Chief of the Defence Force and as former Governor General of Australia. He took a few questions from our guests and answered them with shared stories and experiences and interesting insights.

Later, David Mortimer AO presented our inaugural SUFC Friends Life Member awards to Phil Harry AM, accepted on his behalf by his son Richard Harry who spoke of its significance to his father who was a former club captain and then a close Friend of SUFC over many years.

We sadly heard only recently of the passing of Associate Professor Paul Darveniza, a Friend of SUFC. His award was accepted posthumously by his friend Andrew Murray AM with a touching tribute.

Finally, for those still keen, post dinner drinks, including French Vine Whiskey was served to conclude the night in the relaxed yet ornate Erickson room.

On behalf of the Chair of the Friends, David Mortimer AO, thank you for your continued involvement with our Friends group, your willingness to mentor our players, guiding them to become the next generation of successful Sydney University alumni with ongoing connection to our great rugby club.

We hope to see you at the Finals lunch this Friday, and over the next few weeks of the 2024 season.

Program of the evening:

SUFC Friends Dinner Program – FINAL

The 27th anniversary of the Friends of SUFC was recently celebrated with a fantastic dinner at St. John’s College. The event brought together 70 members, SUFC players, and guests. The evening featured performances by coloratura soprano Mary-Jean O’Doherty and tenor Jack Treacy, accompanied by talented musicians.

Dr. David Mortimer AO, Chairman of the Friends, introduced Dr. Simone Scovell, a Sydney University graduate, who gave a toast to the university, sharing her personal journey from a young girl marveling at the university gates to representing Australia in basketball and founding a healthcare company. Wayne Erickson, former Principal of St. Andrews College and renowned rugby referee, provided insightful commentary on the important role the University of Sydney plays in the interaction between athletics and academia in today’s society.

The event also included a delicious meal prepared by the staff of St John’s College, complemented by excellent French wines donated by David Lyons. Al Campbell, a former Wallaby, introduced Dr. Brett Robinson, who shared his journey from playing rugby league in Toowoomba to being a founding player in the Brumbies and representing Australia internationally. Dr. Robinson’s personal stories captivated the audience, recognizing his significant contributions to Australian Rugby.

In closing, Dr. David Mortimer expressed gratitude to all the Friends’ members for their support and continued commitment to mentoring the players of Sydney University Football Club.