On Friday 30th August, rugby and sporting greats along with supporters and lovers of the game attended The Cauliflower Club’s Annual Fundraising Lunch.

This year, in addition to the ambitious fundraising target, the lunch farewelled the legendary Michael Hooper, one of the finest Wallabies of his generation and longest serving Test Captains.

The atmosphere was electric as 530 guests, including VIPs The Hon Anthony Albanese, former Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove, current and former Wallabies, Olympians, politicians and media personalities filled the ballroom at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Hosted by MC and Chair of the Cauliflower Club Peter FitzSimons, Michael Hooper shared inspiration and insights into his career with the Wallabies in a candid conversation with former ABC Q&A, Lateline host, and multiple Walkley award-winning journalist, Tony Jones.

It was a great honour to also hear from Sebastian van Veenendaal and Curtis Palmer, Paralympian and wheelchair rugby athlete, who spoke about the work of the Sargood Foundation and how the money raised by the event impacts the lives of those with spinal cord injuries.

Special thanks also to Olivia Coe Fox for her acknowledgement of Country and rendition of We are Australian, and to auctioneer Jason Kazanis and the Helping Hands Group.

The day was a fitting tribute to Michael Hooper and a significant boost for a worthy cause.

Thanks to all who attended, bought tables, tickets, participated in the auction and donated priceless auction items, we are thrilled to announce we have exceeded our most ambitious target yet – with $85,000 raised, all of which will go directly to providing life-changing experiences for people living with spinal cord injury.

As part of our commitment to long-time Charity Partner, Sargood, we will be purchasing three adapted offroad mountain bikes.

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