Former Brisbane Rugby League Chairman Kevin Brasch’s contribution to rugby league in Queensland has been recognised with a place on the annual Queens Birthday Honour list.
Brasch was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his ‘significant service to rugby league football, at the local, state and national level’.
Kevin said he was glad he was able to represent the positives in the game by receiving this honour and will attend the upcoming investiture ceremony at Government House with his wife, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.
“It’s an honour; and it’s an honour first to rugby league ... I happy for rugby league and happy my work in schools and school sport have also been recognised,” Brasch said.
Upon hearing the news of his honour; people Kevin has worked with from both his league and school days have rushed to congratulate him.
“So many friendships have evolved (from my involvement with league and schools) and still exist today,” Kevin said.
“People have rang and have emailed to leave messages.
“I had boys I taught in 1955 ring – they were from Newmarket which was the first school I every taught at.”
Brasch’s love of rugby league emerged when he played for the Queensland Primary Schools team from Newmarket shortly after WWII.
He played rugby union in his early teens as a Brisbane Grammar student, but signed for the Shift Workers League when he turned 16.
In the 1950s, Brasch forged a career for Valleys Diehards coupled with a stint in the UK for English clubs Huddersfield and Whitehaven.
A former fitness director at Norths, he was the ground announcer at Bishop Park for 18 years from 1970 to 1988.
He chaired the Brisbane (South East Division) for 19 years, and experienced a 76-day stint as Australian Rugby League chairman during the height of the 1997 Super League War.
Brasch managed Queensland and national teams on Australian soil and overseas.
He is a life member of the Australian Rugby League, Queensland Rugby League, Norths Devils, Queensland Primary Schools Rugby League and the Eagle Junction State Swimming Club.
The Long-serving League administrator and educator is currently the Chairman of the QRL History Committee after retiring from sports administration in 2007.
Find out more about Kevin’s contribution to rugby league:
Brasch retiring with memories – Courier Mail
Brasch looking for league history - FOGS
Flashback: July 1959 – Steve Ricketts article
