Backing Women in Sport and Strengthening Our Community

With winter sport now underway across the Whitsundays, there’s already a great sense of energy building right across our region — from rugby league and AFL to soccer, netball and more.

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Recently, my wife Mel and I had the pleasure of attending the Whitsunday Brahmans season launch, and there’s no doubt there’s strong momentum around the club this year. A new coach, quality signings and plenty of pride heading into the season.

But one of the most exciting developments goes beyond what happens on the field.

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For the first time, the Brahmans will field an open women’s team which is a significant milestone not just for the club, but for our broader community.

Importantly, this isn’t happening in isolation. Across the Whitsundays, we’re seeing more opportunities emerge for women and girls in sport, and that’s something worth celebrating.

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Women’s sport is continuing to grow rapidly across Australia, but here in our region it represents far more than participation alone. It’s about opportunity, inclusion, visibility and building stronger communities.

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As we continue positioning the Whitsundays as the natural home of Olympic sailing for 2032, supporting grassroots sport at every level becomes even more important.

Because building a genuine sporting legacy starts long before the world arrives. It starts in local clubs, on local fields, in local pools and through local volunteers creating opportunities for the next generation.

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When young girls see women representing their local clubs, pulling on the jersey and taking the field, it sends a powerful message that there is absolutely a place for you here.

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Community sport builds confidence, resilience and connection. It creates lifelong friendships, strengthens local identity and helps shape future athletes, leaders and role models.

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And when we continue to support women and girls in sport, those benefits only grow stronger.

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We build more inclusive clubs, stronger volunteer networks and a healthier, more connected region.

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None of this happens without the incredible volunteers, sponsors, coaches, parents and supporters who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

Council is proud to support local sport, and we remain committed to backing opportunities that strengthen our communities while helping build the Whitsundays’ long-term sporting future.

As the season continues, I encourage everyone to get out, support your local clubs and be part of the action.

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Because strong clubs build strong communities — and strong communities help shape the future.

And as we look toward 2032, that future is one the Whitsundays is ready to lead.

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