Macarthur RL: East Campbelltown and Oakdale join forces to support the Jack Beasley Foundation

The result of Sunday’s Macarthur Rugby League match between East Campbelltown and Oakdale will take a back seat to a much bigger issue affecting the safety of our streets. HERE’S WHY.

Jack Beasley Foundation, Macarthur Rugby League, East Campbelltown v Oakdale, Round 12, 2 July 2023.

There will be much more at stake on Sunday when East Campbelltown host Oakdale in the annual Jack Beasley Foundation games at Waminda Oval.

A victim of a senseless knife crime on the Gold Coast in 2019, Jack Beasley’s life was tragically cut short at just 17.

In the years since, former Southern Highlands locals Brett and Belinda Beasley’s fight to rid the streets of knives in their son’s honour led to the passing of Jack’s Law.

Passed on April 2, 21 years after Jack’s birth, the legislation permits Queensland police to ‘wand’ for weapons in night-life precincts and on public transport.

Brett and Belinda Beasley, parents of Jack, with Bonney MP Sam O'Connor after the passing of Jack's Law. Picture: Supplied

“We did it for Jack, I made him a promise that I have to be his voice and that’s what I’m here to be,” Brett said ahead of this weekend’s fundraiser for youth education.

“Thousands have been wanded since the law was passed, and something in the order of 350 weapons have already been removed from the streets.

“We've created this law in Jack’s honour and now we need to make it Australia wide.”

The April stabbing murder of paramedic Steven Tougher in a McDonalds car park in Campbelltown only adds weight to the claim.

“That's why I’m fighting to bring it here. If anything, the problem in New South Wales is bigger than in Queensland,” said Brett.

“I’ve met with ministers and commissioners here in NSW, and they want Jack’s Law passed down here.”

With the footy fundraiser weekend now in its second season, Brett is grateful for the support of East Campbelltown Eagles president Daniel Draper, the Oakdale club and everyone involved.

“The Jack Beasley Foundation raises funds to educate awareness around youth violence and in particular knife crimes. Last year we raised a few thousand at Waminda Oval, so hopefully it’s bigger and better this year.

Jack Beasley Foundation jumpers, Round 12, 2 July 2023 at Waminda Oval. Picture: Supplied.

For Eagles coach Richard Barnes, the husband of Brett’s sister Michelle, the occasion has double meaning.

“It’s great that both clubs can come together,” said Richard.

“These type of incidents are so far reaching, they affect the wider families and so many other people. Oakdale captain Kyle Fraser works with one of our club’s major sponsors, so I know him quite well and it’s great that he’s been willing to help.

“Fans can purchase jerseys at the ground and all funds will be presented to the foundation. Alternatively, orders can be placed by messaging the East Campbelltown Eagles facebook page”

For more information about the Jack Beasley Foundation click HERE.