Operating under strict COVID-19 guidelines, the 2021 Friends of Sydney University Football Club KPMG cocktail party took place last week. Last year’s cocktail party was cancelled because of COVID but it was good to have a full house of almost 50 people this time. Under COVID restrictions, numbers were capped, and we were unable to accommodate everyone who wished to attend.
David Mortimer AO, Chairman of the Friends, opened the event welcoming everyone and giving an update of plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the formation of this unique organisation. In Tony Mulveney’s absence, Hugh Summerhayes (pictured) welcomed everyone to KPMG with several anecdotes about transitioning from being a player to being part of a global organisation. Hugh was followed by David Lyons, President of SUFC, who gave attendees an insight into the rigorous preparation that was going on at the Club as the Shute Shield opening date of 10 April approaches.
Former SUFC President, Angus Stuart led the panel of Leonie Lum, Scott Stumbles and Hamish Corlett in a wide-ranging discussion including their favourite moments playing for the Club; Angus, Hamish and Scott were all halfbacks, and the repartee was highly amusing and direct. Leonie gave the group a glimpse of the challenges but also the satisfaction of dealing with all forty-one clubs which fall under Sydney University Sport and Fitness umbrella. The discussion about the effects of COVID-19 on individuals, firms and the future utilisation of office space generated quite some debate from the floor as the panel worked through their views.
Our thanks to KPMG for hosting another highly successful Friends of SUFC event. Feedback has been universally positive about the format and content of the evening’s entertainment and we look forward to the next Friends’ event which is the Legends’ Lunch on June 19.