A COMMUNITY came together as one for a fallen mate, with hundreds of people packing the Mining Exchange for the funeral of Lachie Poulter on Thursday.
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The 25-year-old Dunnstown footballer collapsed at the end of a reserves match at Learmonth on July 28 and was unable to be revived.
Hundreds of mourners, many wearing Sydney Swans beanies, packed the Mining Exchange to overflowing as family, friends, teammates and others simply touched by his short life said goodbye to a man dubbed the heart and soul of Dunnstown Football Netball Club.
Mourners spilled out onto Lydiard Street and were told of a man who was the life of the party, a man who would go many miles for his mates and a man who was a loyal best friend, brother and son.
Dunnstown Football Netball Club president Shane Murphy said Mr Poulter was a young, fit healthy man that was loved by all that came into contact with him.
“At the young age of 25, Lachie had created a life based on mateship, generosity and his passion for all things, especially his family and friends,” club president Shane Murphy said.
“Lachie was a pinnacle member of our club. He loved everybody and everybody loved him.
“He has left a massive hole in our community and hope that his family can take comfort in the legacy he has gifted our club.”
Mr Murphy said Mr Poulter leaves behind a family that will remember his big heart, infectious smile and passion for his mates.
“They are grateful for the support from their family and friends who are helping them through this difficult time.
“Lachie was taken too soon but he was doing what he loved, for a club he loved with the teammates he loved.”
And his legacy will live on across the region.
Griffin Burger in Armstrong Street is donating $5 to a new foundation from the sale of a special burger this week. Griffin Burger manager Sam Griffin said he and his staff had been moved by the death to try and help out.
“We’ve had some incredible community support, we’ve only been going for three days and already we’ve sold more than 400 burgers,” he said.
“We hope to be able to raise $5000 for the foundation.
“We were all deeply saddened and we wanted to do something for the family, so we contacted the football club and this was a way we hoped we could help.”
‘The Big Bryan Burger’ is available at Griffin Burger until Sunday.
Aside from the $5 of each sale, other donations are welcome.
A fund is also being set up to support children in remote and rural areas to access equipment, uniforms and skills they need to enjoy the game of football, the game that Mr Poulter loved.
