The late Tevita Mahe with his son Salesi. Photo: Supplied.
The Yenda Blueheelers rugby league football club has organised a fundraising night at Yenda Hotel for the family and teenage son of their popular fullback Tevita Mahe, who died on Australia Day after an accident at Darlington Point.
“Everyone at the club and the town is in shock but we are doing as well as expected,” Blueheelers committee member and event organiser Jodie Payne said.
“The whole football community knows Tevita.
“Our fundraiser for his family will be held at the Yenda Hotel this Friday (31 January). Everyone is welcome to come. Ticket sales will kick off at 6 pm and we’ll start raffling at 7 pm to 7:30 pm. We’ll also have an auction of some of the bigger items and there’ll also be a donations bucket at the hotel.”
Mr Mahe, 37, fell off a recreational floating device that was being towed behind a boat in the waters off Bunyip Hole Campground on the Murrumbidgee River on Sunday (26 January).
When he failed to resurface and could not be located, emergency services were notified. His body was located two days later after an extensive search involving NSW Police divers, Murrumbidgee Police District officers, NSW Ambulance, State Emergency Services (SES) and the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA).
A crime scene has been established and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Given the funeral and other expenses that will be faced by the family, the Blueheelers club is also accepting donations until the end of Thursday (30 January).
Deposits can be made to:
Account name: Yenda RFLC
BSB: 062548
ACC: 28007130
“We thought it was better to get people to donate directly to the club account, so all the money can go directly to the family, rather than setting up a GoFundMe page that takes a proportion of the proceeds. You can also come and make a donation at the Yenda Hotel,” Ms Payne said.
She also called on businesses to support the fundraising night.
“People are still donating items to be raffled or auctioned off, so feel free to get in touch and donate whatever you feel is appropriate. You can also donate goods or cash; we’ll get them to the family,” she said.
Mr Mahe was a talented fullback known for his pace and try-scoring ability.
“He played across all grades and even coached the reserve grade team to a grand final,” the club posted on Facebook.
“A true larrikin, Tevita was not only cherished by the Yenda community but by so many within Group 20 as well. His presence, warmth, and infectious personality touched countless lives.
“Tevita leaves behind a void that will be felt by many. Our thoughts and love are with [his teenage son] Salesi and the entire Mahe family during this incredibly difficult time. We will miss you dearly, T. We hope you’re up there singing Purple Rain.”
The community fundraiser for Salesi and the Mahe family will kick off at 6 pm on Friday 31 January at the Yenda Hotel, 2 Yenda Place, Yenda. All are welcome.
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