Breakfast of Champions Brings Football Legends to Gosford

More than 50 football fans, community supporters and Rotary members gathered At Baker Street Restaurant for the Rotary Club of Gosford City's "Breakfast of Champions", raising more than $2,500 for Rotary projects locally and internationally.

The event featured three of Australia's most respected football personalities: Matildas legend Lydia Williams, Socceroos World Cup hero Andrew Redmayne and Central Coast football icon and Mayor, Lawrie McKinna.

Welcoming guests to the event, Rotary Club of Gosford City President Michael McQuade spoke about the club's commitment to service, community connection and creating opportunities for people to get involved through both Rotary membership and the club's growing Friends of Rotary program.

McQuade said events such as Breakfast of Champions demonstrate the unique role Rotary plays in bringing people together around shared interests while raising funds that directly support important community projects.

Facilitated by McKinna, the discussion provided guests with a unique behind-the-scenes look at elite football, including experiences from World Cups, professional careers spanning multiple countries and the challenges and rewards of competing at the highest level.

Lydia Williams captivated the audience with stories from her extraordinary journey from regional Western Australia to becoming one of Australia's most decorated footballers. She spoke openly about resilience, overcoming serious injuries, representing Australia on the world stage and her passion for creating opportunities for Indigenous girls through football participation and leadership programs.

Andrew Redmayne shared his experiences growing up on the Central Coast, progressing through local football pathways and eventually representing Australia. Guests were particularly fascinated by his reflections on the famous FIFA World Cup qualifying penalty shootout against Peru, where his preparation, mental strength and unique goalkeeping style helped secure Australia's place at the tournament.

A common theme throughout the morning was resilience. Both Williams and Redmayne spoke candidly about setbacks, self-doubt, injuries and the importance of surrounding yourself with good people who help you navigate challenges both on and off the field.

The audience also gained valuable insights into the realities of elite sport, including the sacrifices required to reach the highest level, the mental demands of professional competition and the responsibility successful athletes feel to give back to the communities that supported them along the way.

McQuade thanked the guest speakers for generously donating their time to support Rotary's fundraising efforts and acknowledged the many volunteers, sponsors and attendees who helped make the event possible.

"These events don't happen without community support," he said.

"We are incredibly grateful to Lydia, Andrew and Lawrie for sharing their experiences and helping us raise funds for projects that support vulnerable people in our community and beyond."

He also encouraged community members who may not be able to commit to full Rotary membership to consider becoming a Friend of Rotary, providing a flexible way to support projects, volunteer at events and stay connected with the club's work.

The club extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended and helped make the morning such a success.

Special thanks also go to the team at At Baker Street Restaurant for their ongoing support of Gosford City Rotary and for once again providing a wonderful venue and breakfast experience. The club particularly acknowledges Chef Daniel, who was still recovering from a recent sporting injury but whose team ensured guests enjoyed a fantastic morning of hospitality.

Gosford City Rotary also thanks COAST FM, Coast News, Coasties Magazine, Central Coast Australia and ABC Central Coast for helping promote the event and support community fundraising initiatives.

Funds raised from the Breakfast of Champions will support Rotary projects assisting vulnerable people both locally and internationally.



The event was a reminder that football is about much more than what happens on the pitch. It's about community, connection, resilience and creating opportunities for others; values that align strongly with Rotary's mission of Service Above Self.

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