Not everyone gets excited about sponsorships. For most builders, it’s another logo on a jersey, maybe a lunch in a corporate box. Nothing wrong with that, but is that really all it can be?

We reckon Ausbuild has a pretty good story here.

What’s the story?

Ausbuild’s been making waves as the official community partner of the Dolphins NRL team, which is the Sunny Coast’s closest footy side (even if they’re technically Redcliffe).

But what sets this partnership apart isn’t the footy. It’s what they’re doing with the tickets.

“They’re giving away a lot of the tickets each game to charities,” Pete said on the pod.

“Charities can sell those on, raise money, bring people in… raffle them, whatever they want to do.”

That’s not just smart; that’s meaningful.

In 2024, over 1,300 home game tickets were handed out to schools, community groups and local charities. That raised more than $20,000 and gave dozens of people a moment in the spotlight (literally) through things like Guard of Honour spots.

Ausbuild’s now taking applications for 2025. If you’re part of a community group or know one that deserves a boost, now’s the time to get in touch.

Get involved

A lot of builders give back, supporting local sports clubs, sponsoring raffles, and showing up at community events. But sometimes, let’s be honest, the sponsorship is more about exposure than impact.

As Aaron put it,

“It’s just a great way to do something like that, not just with suppliers and VIPs but also with giving back.”

You can still have your corporate box and your brand up in lights. But carve out a slice, even just a few tickets, and put them in the hands of someone who’ll really benefit.

What do we know?

Ausbuild’s partnership is a significant investment. It’s a $1 million, three-year deal aimed squarely at making a difference across Moreton Bay and beyond.

We’ve seen them work with:

• Share the Dignity
  
• Local schools
  
• Indigenous community groups
  
• Volunteer organisations.

This isn’t token. It’s a values-driven strategy with long-term thinking, and it seems to be working.

“They’re getting through that sponsorship,” said Pete. “It’s cool. Great to see and a great way to think of it.”

We agree.

What’s being said?

Throughout the podcast on Thursday, Pete and Aaron kept circling back to one idea.

“Good builders don’t just build homes; they build connections.“

“You can sponsor whatever it might be,” Aaron said. “But take a portion and give it back. That’s what good builders are all about.”

They even suggested we all head to a Dolphins game, not through the box office, but by buying tickets from one of the local charities.

“We should get ourselves to a Dolphins game,” Pete added, “and buy tickets from one of the charities.”

It’s a small gesture that creates a ripple effect.

The TGB Takeaway?

The next time your company sponsors something, maybe it’s a junior footy club, a school fair, or a race day. Stop and ask, 

• Are we just advertising?
  
• Are we doing something meaningful with our involvement?
  
• Can we give part of it back to the community, not just to clients or suppliers?

We get it. Every dollar counts. Brand building matters. But social license is part of your brand, too.

It’s not always about spending more. Sometimes, it’s about spending better.

So here’s a thought to get you to Friday night footy.

What’s one small way you could turn your next sponsorship into something that gives back?

Author: The Good Builder

The Good Builder is a media platform that provides news and insights for Australia’s home building industry. From exclusive stories and curated insights to bold industry perspectives, we deliver the news and updates that keep builders, suppliers, and the entire home building industry inspired and ahead of the curve.