Burdekin is very proud that the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have been a community partner of Burdekin’s since 2018.
Together, we’ve created opportunities that inspire connection, foster inclusion, and strengthen community spirit, while raising awareness around the important issue of youth homelessness.
This mutually beneficial partnership has also provided enhanced brand awareness and visibility for both organisations, with the Sea Eagles helping to amplify Burdekin’s message to a wider audience, while Burdekin supports the Sea Eagles in their mission to give back to their local community.
Over the course of 2024-25, several young people that Burdekin works with were mentored by the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles’ Captain, Daly Cherry-Evans.
Daly Cherry-Evans is a positive role model in the wider Sydney community in his position as the Sea Eagles’ Captain, and further afield as Captain of the Queensland State of Origin team. As the most senior player in the National Rugby League, a Premiership Winner, an Australian representative and a Clive Churchill Medal winner, he has helped to cultivate positive values and behaviours among Burdekin’s young people through listening to them, sharing his knowledge, promoting positive values, communicating his leadership style, and fostering a sense of belonging.
As one of the Sea Eagle’s Charity Partners, in early April 2025, 20 young people that Burdekin works with were invited to attend the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles’ home game against the Melbourne Storm. One young person that Burdekin works with was nominated to toss the coin, meet the team captains and match referee. They were then invited to enjoy the Match Day Experience, standing on the field while the Sea Eagles warmed up pre-game, and forming the guard of honour as both teams ran onto the field for the game. It was a great experience.
During the home game against the Melbourne Storm, the Sea Eagles arranged for a not-for-profit charity raffle organisation, 50-50, to further support Burdekin with 50% of the raffle ticket prize pool collected going to a lucky winner and a percentage to Burdekin. Over $9,000 was successfully raised on the day.
In 2022, The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles helped Burdekin by providing financial support towards essential learn-to-drive hours, as part of Burdekin’s existing ‘learn-to-drive program’.
The support from FleetPartners and the Sea Eagles at the time, allowed Burdekin to provide more opportunities for young people to accumulate the driving practice hours required to attain their licence and to progress on to employment. It was a real game changer for young people living in out-of-home care without the family support that’s required to complete driver training towards securing their licence.
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have also generously promoted and endorsed Burdekin’s annual Christmas fundraising campaigns over recent years on their web site, social media channels and in their newsletters to their extensive fan base.
Corporate partnerships, like the one with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, enhances Burdekin’s ability to provide comprehensive support to young people. These collaborations bring expertise, knowledge and opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible to our young people. They also assist us with helping to raise awareness of youth homelessness, which is crucial for garnering broader community support, further donations and deeper understanding of youth homelessness.
By joining forces with large corporates, local businesses and clubs, Burdekin ensures that young people receive a robust network of support, empowering them to overcome challenges and build successful, independent futures.
If you’re inspired by this community partnership, and would like your organisation to partner with Burdekin, please get in touch. Email: partnerships@burdekin.org.au
