Fred Brophy OAM is the last of the traveling boxing tent showmen. A fourth generation ‘carny’, Brophy is virtually the last man standing in this time-honoured sport that is every bit Australian as vegemite, Holden cars and kangaroos. It’s a sport that was part of the culture at Australian shows and events going back 50 years or so, and now it’s a dying tradition.
The Fred Brophy Boxing Tent is coming to Toowoomba for Australia Day 26th January at the Newtown Hotel. There, young men will hear the call ‘Roll up boys and try your luck against some of Australia’s great tent fighters’. As part of the visit, the Burke and Wills Hotel will host a Sporting luncheon on Friday 25th January featuring the legendary Brophy as the guest speaker – with all the proceeds from the luncheon going to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. Patrons will here a tale or two from the revered showman during an insightful interview by the luncheon MC, Lee Faulkner.
During the lunch there will be a charity auction, with some great prizes, including a signed and framed 2012 Queensland State of Origin jersey and a magnum of 1995 Grange (currently available online for $1450 – $2000). There will also be a multi-draw raffle, while McWilliams Wines and XXXX have generously agreed to supply the refreshments.
Tickets are selling fast but there are still a few tables available. Individual tickets are only $59 each or Business/Corporate sponsors pay only $549 for a table of 10. They can be purchased from the Burke and Wills on 1800 633 679.
Submitted by:
Peter Rookas
Toowoomba Hospital Founndation
Ph 4616 6166