News | 25 May 2023

As a valued member of the St John’s College community, you are warmly invited to Laffo’s Long Lunch on Friday 25 August at Doltone House, Hyde Park.

Now in its 15th year, Laffo’s Long Lunch is the College’s most successful fundraising event. It is a friendly and fun lunch in the spirit of Matt Laffan, celebrating the great person he was. The event will feature live music, interesting discussions, poetry, sports, and much more.

In addition to enjoying a great afternoon out with friends, this lunch raises funds for the Laffan Scholarships. These scholarships support university students with physical disabilities in residing at St John’s College. They also provide partial scholarships for students with all-round academic and sporting abilities to attend the College, with a preference for rural and regional students. We are proud to partner with Hearts in Rugby Union, an organization assisting individuals who have suffered severe spinal or other permanent life-altering injuries through freak accidents while playing rugby union.

This year’s lunch will have a French theme, coinciding with the Rugby World Cup in France, which opens two weeks later. It will also take place on the eve of the Shute Shield Final in Sydney.

Please join us for this special event and help make a difference in the lives of deserving students. We look forward to seeing you there.

Date: Friday, 25 August 2023
Time: 12:30pm
Venue: Doltone House, Hyde Park (181 Elizabeth St, Sydney)
Cost: $195 per person or $1,850 Table of 10

Click here to book your spot.

Who was Matt Laffan?

Matt Laffan (1970-2009) was a disability activist, lawyer with the NSW DPP, member of the NSW Rugby Union judiciary and one-time Sydney Lord Mayor aspirant.

Matt also attended St John’s College in the University of Sydney, was elected as House President in the early ‘90s and was later President of its alumni organisation, The Johnsmen’s Association.

Matt passed away in 2009 at age 38. He battled diastrophic dysplasia all his life yet did not allow it to constrain him from living his life to the fullest.