Men of League Parliamentary Dinner

Many of the biggest names in NSW politics enjoyed a Men of League dinner at Parliament House on Tuesday night, 15 October.

Hosted by the Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Shelley Hancock, the Premier Barry O’Farrell and several of his Ministers and MPs mingled with some influential business people to enjoy a well organised function.
 
Fox Sports commentator and Men of League Board member Ben Ikin was the MC and the speakers were the Premier, Men of League Chairman, Ron Coote and, of course, Shelley Hancock. New Men of League CEO Corene Strauss was also present for her first official function.
 
The night was informative, entertaining and well attended. Ron told the enthusiastic audience that the Men of League now had more than 25,000 members and 40 branches, while Shelley spoke of her admiration for the Men of League organisation and its Chairman.
 
She also mentioned that she always knew the Roosters Grand Final-winning forward, Luke O’Donnell, was going to be successful in his chosen sport, as she taught him English when he was a student at Ulladulla High School. 
 
The Premier, well known for his support of rugby league and Wests Tigers, confirmed that his government were always ready to do whatever they could to help the Men of League. “It is a very worthwhile organisation, ” he emphasised.
 
Among the guests were George Souris, the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and  Racing and Minister for the Arts, Andrew Constance, the Minister for Finance and Services and John Ajaka, the Minister for Ageing and Disability Services.
 
Other MPs to enjoy the night were Deputy Speaker and Northern Rivers Men Of League member, Thomas George, Andrew Cornwell, John Sidoti, Chris Spence, Chris Holstein, Troy Grant, Mark Coure and Gareth Ward, along with upper house members, Paul Green and Mick Veitch.
 
Men of League Patron, former NSW Premier and former federal Minister of Finance, John Fahey was another to attend as was Nick Moraitis, Arthur Coorey from the Bulldogs, Greg McCallum, a former Grand Final referee who recently resigned as NRL match review committee chairman, John Walkom and former Wallaby prop forward, Bill Young (46 Tests).
 
West Ashfield Leagues club, First State and the AHA were among the businesses represented on the night.

By Barry Ross