Big Kicks, Big Builds

Suns Deal Drives Regional Growth

Council has locked in a major win for the region, confirming the extension of its successful partnership with the Gold Coast SUNS Football Club (GCFC) through to 2028.

The announcement follows news of a half-billion-dollar investment in the Mackay region by Certainty Wealth, which includes the proposed development of 1,100 residential lots.

Certainty Wealth Managing Director Damien Gwynne said the company’s decision to invest in Mackay was directly influenced by council’s partnership with the Gold Coast SUNS, highlighting the role the collaboration has played in strengthening the region’s profile and appeal.

“In 2024 we were brought up by the Gold Coast SUNS on a business delegation to explore Mackay as a potential investment opportunity,” Mr Gwynne said.

“We will invest more than half a billion dollars in the region over the next seven years – retirement villages, childcare, commercial centres – and that’s all because of that one business delegation,” he said.

Within 13 months of the delegation, Certainty Wealth are 25 per cent of the way through constructing stage one of the Riverbend estate at Mirani near Platypus Beach.

They have also settled on land at Sarina, which will be a master-planned community with more than 1000 dwellings called The Crossing.

Mr Gwynne said The Crossing would change the face of Sarina.

“It will include residential lots, townhouses, retirement village, childcare centre, retail centres, plus a whole bunch of community infrastructure that will assist the existing residents of Sarina,” he said.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the new agreement reinforced council’s commitment to delivering economic, social and sporting benefits for the Mackay region.

“Since 2019, the partnership has positioned Mackay as a premier destination for elite women’s sport, with annual AFLW matches at the Great Barrier Reef Arena attracting thousands of spectators and showcasing the region on a national stage,” Mayor Williamson said.

“AFL participation in Mackay has grown by 15 per cent during this period, with female participation increasing by 20 per cent, highlighting the positive impact of the collaboration on grassroots sport,” he said.

The renewed three-year agreement will see council continue as Official Partner of the Gold Coast SUNS and Official Gold Coast SUNS AFLW Destination Partner.

Key deliverables of the extended partnership include:

• Hosting one AFLW match annually at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.
• National brand exposure through apparel branding and signage at AFLW and AFL matches.
• The creation of Discover Mackay Week, showcasing the region through SUNS platforms and match-day activations.
• Economic development opportunities via corporate networking events and boardroom lunches with SUNS partners.
• Community engagement through AFLW player appearances, academy camps and grassroots football programs.
• Consumer promotions such as the “Live the Dream” initiative, giving Mackay girls the chance to experience life as an AFLW player.
• Leadership development sessions run by GCFC executives and high-performance staff.

Gold Coast SUNS Deputy CEO Simon Fitzgibbon welcomed the extension which will see the relationship between the organisations span beyond a decade.

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Mackay Regional Council. The council has been an influential supporter of our club, in particular our AFLW program, for almost a decade,” Fitzgibbon said.

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Council has extended its partnership with the Gold Coast SUNS through to 2028, a move credited with driving major investment, boosting grassroots sport, and elevating Mackay’s national profile. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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