The Cause……“Backstop”

“Backstop” is a Queensland charity dedicated to providing respite care for paraplegics and quadriplegics. “Backstop” was established in 1983 following three tragic rugby accidents, involving a good friend and fellow University player, Brett Poulson, and two other club players. “Backstop” House is a unique respite facility in Queensland developed by the rugby community for families of boys who have sustained spinal injuries playing rugby. A Management Committee tirelessly volunteers their time and knowledge to ensure “Backstop” House maintains and delivers a high standard of care for those with such high care needs.

“Backstop” supports heroes like Brett, whose courage and tenacity is an inspiration to us all. The funding requirements to maintain and expand “Backstop” are substantial:

• Funding from Disability Services Queensland is minimal and requires significant supplementation if “Backstop” are to maintain the superior care that they provide at present to such needy recipients.
• “Petrie Respite House” is now 28 years old and the maintenance costs are rising substantially. 
• Due to increased demand for their services, “Backstop” has secured a block of land at Redcliffe with plans to construct a new “Backstop Respite Centre”. Construction costs & fit out (furniture & special needs equipment) is expected to be approximately $500,000 and the fit out $200,000.
• Furthermore, Backstop has to fund the holding of that land until construction. Approximate costs of rates, lease to Department of Natural Resources and insurances are $3000 - $4000 per annum. This is a new & substantial expense that they must meet.
• “Backstop” is unable to commence construction on the new project until they have a commitment from Disability Services Queensland to provide recurrent funding for the running of the Redcliffe facility.
• Annual funding required to run this facility is approx $330,000 per annum. The community need is there but, in these global economic times, the Department of Disability Services is being slow to commit.
• In 2009, “Backstop” embarked on a pilot project to provide some variety of experience to their high need
  clients. Their tireless casual staff will take these worthy recipients to the movies, the RSL, the city etc providing some variety from the monotony of being housebound and also some respite for the primary carers, usually the parents. Thus far, the results have been excellent and they hope to expand this program which again relies on funds from the Sporting Hasbeens and generous support from
  our sponsors & lunch guests.

To join the “Sporting Hasbeens” in supporting this very worthy cause through donations or assisting with the new Redcliffe Development, please contact either:

Alan Whimp on [email protected]