By Graham Davis

The late POPH Bill McBride. Permission for the use of images of the deceased has been granted by his sister, Linda McBride.

Around 6000 people are expected to attend a “one off” football carnival on July 25 staged to remember the late Navy photographer, AFL player and Aboriginal youth mentor, Petty Officer Bill McBride.

Bill died in April this year as he prepared to retire from the Navy and go to Western Australia to counsel and guide young people with drug and alcohol problems.

The special AFL carnival will be held at the Northern Eagles ground, O’Callaghan Park, Zillmere Road, Zillmere in Brisbane from 9.45am.

Bill played for the Zillmere Club.

The RAN has thrown its support behind the organisers of the AFL day.

The Queensland detachment of the RAN Band will be in attendance, a Squirrel helicopter is expected to fly up from HMAS Albatross and Defence Force Recruiting hopes to enlist some new members.

Three games will be played during the carnival.

A Navy over 35’s side will play a local “Masters Australian Football”side (older players) in one match.

An indigenous side will play a local side in another match while the main event will be a Queensland AFL round, a game between Windsor/Zillmere and Southport.

WOMT Peter Stephens is one of the RAN organisers and said “we expect about 6,000 there on the day.”

Peter now seeks RAN AFL players to join the Navy team for the day.

He can be contacted on 0411 203 559, (02) 9349 9101 or email peter.stephens4@defence.gov.au

Bill McBride was admired and respected by many in both the RAN and civilian football community throughout Australia.

His many postings during his 33-year career saw him actively involved in AFL football in many states and territories.

The carnival has been organised to acknowledge, celebrate and share together the life of Bill and his involvement in AFL football. WO Stephens said Bill’s family will be in attendance while a number of high profile Aboriginal players will fly in for the day.

A variety of entertainment will support the match program.

“An invitation is extended to past and current players over 35 who may have played with Bill or those who want to be involved in this event to please contact me,” WO Stephens said.

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