Moonshiners Unite for Beyond Blue Charity Day
The Mullumbimby Moonshiners Rugby Club will celebrate a decade of supporting mental health this weekend, with its annual Beyond Blue Charity Day set to feature a historic return to the field for the club’s senior women’s team after a 30-year absence.
The event, to be held at Alby Lofts Oval in Brunswick Heads on Saturday, 11 July, has become one of the region’s most significant community sporting fundraisers, bringing together players, families, businesses and supporters to raise money and awareness for Beyond Blue.
Moonshiners Club Manager and Reflections Ferry Reserve Park Manager Karly Jenkins said the charity day was born from tragedy after the club lost one of its own to mental health.
“One of our Moonshiner players lost their life to mental health and our small community has really shown up for this day, which continues to get bigger and better,” Ms Jenkins said.
“Over the years, we’ve all been touched by those impacted by mental health, so it’s important to make sure this event is a success and to be there for our mates.”
This year’s event carries extra significance with the return of the Moonshiners’ senior women’s team, marking the first time in three decades the women will represent the club on home soil.
The action kicks off with the Under 18 Men’s match at 12pm, followed by the highly anticipated Senior Women’s game at 1.45pm, before the Senior Men’s side takes the field at 3.15pm.
Fundraising will continue throughout the day, with each team wearing specially designed Beyond Blue jerseys that will be auctioned after the matches. A giant raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses, including event sponsor Reflections Holidays, will also help raise funds.
Last year’s charity day raised an impressive $11,000 for Beyond Blue, and organisers are hoping to surpass that total in 2026.
“We are hoping to go above that, which is huge, but we know we can because each year it gets bigger and bigger,” Ms Jenkins said.
Reflections Holidays Chief Executive Officer Nick Baker said supporting grassroots initiatives such as the Moonshiners’ Beyond Blue Charity Day reflected the organisation’s commitment to regional communities.
“We’re grateful to have such passionate team members who show up for their communities in all sorts of ways and volunteer to help events like these get off the ground, raising money for important causes and being the glue that connects community,” Mr Baker said.
With rugby, fundraising and community spirit at its heart, the annual Beyond Blue Charity Day continues to highlight the important role local sporting clubs play in supporting mental health awareness while bringing communities together.
