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Charity

Giving Back’ Program

The AFLUA has a proud history of community investment through the Jeff Crouch Foundation, the Fiona McBurney Program and the Chamberlain Foundation.

Jeff Crouch Foundation

The AFLUA donated $8,250 from the Jeff Crouch Foundation to the Royal Children’s Hospital as part of the 2025 Good Friday Appeal.
The Jeff Crouch Foundation was established in 1995 to perpetuate Jeff’s memory. Jeff umpired 182 VFL games, including 15 finals and 5 VFL grand finals.
Jeff, who passed away in 1994, was a past president, Life Member, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and an inaugural member of the AFLUA Hall of Fame.
Jeff was the Appeal Director for the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal for 15 years, during which time millions of dollars were raised for this most worthy cause.
The AFLUA has donated more than $75,000 to the Appeal, with this year’s donation being the largest to date.

Fiona McBurney Foundation Program

The Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience is back for 2025. The program included AFL staff and umpires, Down syndrome Victoria representatives, Stephen McBurney, the chaperones, some of the participants, and their families were in attendance. Andrew Dillon, CEO, shared inspiring words about the program and the importance of inclusion, bolstering excitement and anticipation for another season ahead for Match Day.

This is a unique initiative that connects sport and disability by giving individuals the opportunity to serve as an official guest AFL trainer for the umpires on match day. Established in 2007 and named in 2015 after Fiona McBurney, the late sister of retired AFL umpire and now Head of Officiating, Stephen McBurney, the program continues to honour her passion for football and her enduring legacy.

Chamberlain Foundation

The Chamberlain Foundation was established in 2015 by Ray Chamberlain and his brothers Peter and Brian to support organisations providing services to people suffering with mental illness and at risk of suicide – with a particular focus on first responders, servicemen and servicewomen.

The AFLUA continued to support the Chamberlain Foundation with a donation of $2,000.

AFLUA Charity Golf Day

On Monday 14th April, the AFLUA teamed up with McDonald Management and Events, who generously donated their services, to launch a Charity Golf Day in support of the AFLUA’s three designated charities – the Jeff Crouch Foundation (Good Friday Appeal), the Chamberlain Foundation, and Down Syndrome Victoria.

Around 50 golfers gathered at Green Acres Golf Club to help raise more than $17,000 for these worthy causes.

The day would not have been such a success without the tireless efforts of Sally McDonald and our major sponsor Melbourne City Toyota. We also extend our sincere thanks to the following individuals and organisations who contributed as hole and prize sponsors: Wilson Business Services, Kearney Group, Elevate Electrical and Data, AFL Players Association, North Melbourne Football Club, The Melbourne Chippy, Clutch and Co, Commvision Australia, Devers List, Tobin Brothers Funerals, Linfox, PTP, Monty Earthworks, DyeCo, Golf Studio, Mark Knight, and the Le Meridien Hotel.