Michael Fussell Memorial Day
WAS HELD ON 14 October 2023
Armidale Blues Vs Royal Military College-Duntroon
Rugby & Netball Tournament
Proudly supported by RSL Australia, Soldier On and the Royal Military College - Duntroon. Thank you to the event sponsors who have helped make this event possible.
The Michael Fussell Memorial Day is an opportunity to merge two major aspects of Mike’s life, growing up in Armidale and his Military career. The Armidale Blues and Royal Military College - Duntroon (RMC-D) represent more than just two rugby teams Mike was honoured to be a part of; they represent communities that gave and meant so much to him. It is by bringing these communities together on common ground to play the game he loved that we pay a fitting tribute to Mike’s life, service and sacrifice.
Fundraising
The biggest support you can provide is your attendance on the day, but if you can’t join us, you’re welcome to make your donation to our fundraising page.
Proceeds raised will go to RSL Australia and Soldier On.
Ticket REfunds
This event was originally planned for October 2022 but due to excessive rain in Canberra, the grounds at Portsea Oval, Duntroon, were closed. For ticket holders unable to attend the event on the new date of 14 October 2023, refunds can be requested by either:
Logging in to your Eventbrite account > go to Tickets > Request a Refund
Contacting enquiries@rsl.org.au directly with your full name and order number.
THE PROGRAM
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The netball will be played at the RMC Gymnasium
See Site Map listed under Transport and Parking -
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Rugby games will be played at Portsea Oval, RMC-D
See Site Map under Transport and Parking
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Rugby games will be played at Portsea Oval, RMC-D
See Site Map under Transport and Parking
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Presentation of the Michael Fussell Memorial Trophy for the overall winner across the 4 matches
GAME LOCATIONS:
Rugby: Portsea Oval, Duntroon, Canberra
Netball: RMC Gymnasium
Charity Auction & Presentation: Portsea Oval, Canberra
TICKETS
Tickets are available from Eventbrite and must be purchased for entry on the day. Tickets will be available up until the day of the event (unless sold out prior). Cash sales at the gate will not be available.
General Admission: $5.00 p/p
Seating at the oval will be available in the established grandstand, portable tiered seating and the grassed hill. Food and beverages will be available to spectators from local providers.
General Admission Children (10 years and under): Free
Tickets for children must still be registered/booked via Eventbrite to ensure capacity can be managed on the day.
Hosted VIP Area: $150 p/p
The VIP-hosted area will offer a comfortable space to watch the games, enjoy the entertainment and make the most of an all-inclusive food and beverage offering.
TRANSPORT, PARKING AND SITE MAP
General Admission: Parking is available adjacent to Portsea Oval and in the vicinity of the Duntroon Medical Centre.
Public Transport: Taxi and ride share services will be able to access a drop off point directly at the venue via Hopkins Drive.
VIPs: Limited parking is available for VIP ticket holders via Hopkins Drive. Parking permits must be presented on entry.
Lieutenant Michael Kenneth Housdan Fussell
1983 - 2008
Mike was born on 17 November, 1983 at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales.
As a cheeky red headed lad, Mike loved growing up in the rural environment near Armidale. He was at his happiest on a horse, rugby field or in the surf.
He did well academically, learned the piano and loved a wide variety of sports including squash, archery, kayaking, and competitive swimming with a special love for polocrosse and rugby union. In his latter teenage years, he took up surfing and this was an interest he continued to pursue both on his own and with mates.
Importantly he cherished friends and always had a wide circle from school, clubs and sports that he was associated with.
Mike enlisted in the Australian Army in January 2002 and was appointed as an Officer Cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy. He completed a Bachelor of Arts and was a keen sportsman, continuing his passion for rugby.
He attended the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 2005, commissioning in December 2005 into the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. During his time at ‘A’ Field Battery he qualified as a paratrooper. He also deployed to East Timor on Operation Astute in 2006 and 2007. Lieutenant Fussell was posted to 4 RAR (Commando) in January 2008 as a Joint Offensive Support Team Commander.
Lieutenant Fussell was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he was killed in action by an Improvised Explosive Device detonation while conducting a dismounted patrol in Uruzgan province, on Thursday 27 November, 2008.
Lieutenant Fussell’s military decorations include the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp International Campaign Against Terrorism (ICAT), the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Australian Service Medal clasp, Timor-Leste and the Australian Defence Medal.
Michael is survived by his two loving parents, Madeline and Ken, his younger brother Daniel and sister Nyah.
“ThIS day is ABOUT BRINGING communities TOGETHER, TO CELEBRATE Mike’s life, HIS PASSIONS, HIS SERVICE and TO ComMEMORATE His sacrifice. FUNDS Raised will GO towards HELPING OTHER veterans IN NEED.”
THANK YOU TO THE EVENT SPONSORS
Sunstone Advisory
Sunstone Advisory is a local company that provides strategic advice, consultancy and ICT solutions for Australian Government departments and agencies. They have a personal connection to Mike with one of the founding partners being a class mate of Mike’s at ADFA and have been very generous with their support for this event.
The Jetty
The Jetty is a new Canberra establishment. Located at the flags on Lake Burley Griffin The Jetty Kiosk café runs all year round and The Jetty Beer Garden runs from November-March. With a selection of food and drink trucks it is the perfect summer spot for a cold drink and bite to eat while soaking up the sun and enjoying live music.
The Dock Kingston
The Dock is a Canberra institution offering quality food, beverages and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether it be live sport or live music, its all on at The Dock, located on the water edge of the Kingston Foreshore.
Penten
Penten is an Australian-owned cyber technology business. Penten’s technology is used across Australian and allied Government organisations to enable users to access classified information when and where they need it, and to detect and trap adversaries in complex cyber terrain and high-threat environments. Penten’s support of this event has further demonstrated their investment in their people through their personal connection with Dan Fussell, their strong veteran employment and continuous support of the veteran community.
Lonsdale St. Studio
Lonsdale St. Studio is not just an empty space. Its a 3 secure studio facility and a Green Room, purpose-built for professional content creation. With over 30 years of experience in brodcast, and a professional-grade video and audio kit, their in-house production team are always on hand to configure the studios to your requirements for your next project.