Councillor Corner: Cr Ash-Lee Johnson

The countdown is on!  The 2026 North Queensland Games are fast approaching, set to ignite the region over the May Day long weekend.

Across the Greater Whitsunday region, families are feeling the pressure right now. The cost of living is hitting hard and many small businesses are doing it tough. Events like this matter as they bring people together and deliver benefits back into the community when it is needed.

We know our region is full of sporting talent. You only have to look at our local clubs each week. Young athletes, volunteers and families all showing up and backing each other. The North Queensland Games gives people a platform – the chance to compete and be part of something bigger without leaving home.

The North Queensland Sports Foundation has developed the Games around grassroot inclusive participation. Athletes of all ages and abilities can take part, build confidence and stay connected to sport. The real value of this event is in the connection it builds and the opportunities it creates across our community.

The economic benefit of hosting is immediate. Previous North Queensland Games have brought thousands of athletes and visitors into the region. What this means is more people are in our town supporting local businesses and enjoying everything this beautiful region has to offer. But beyond the dollars, there is a bigger picture.

The 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games are on the horizon and regional events like the North Queensland Games provide a pathway for our athletes to gain experience and exposure.  More importantly, it gives belief that their Olympic journey can start right here.

This is strengthened by Natalie Cook, who joins the 2026 North Queensland Games as an ambassador. Natalie competed in the North Queensland Games early in her sporting journey before going on to win an Olympic gold medal in volleyball. Her story shows what is possible when local opportunity meets hard work and community support.

The same can be said about Liam Paro, our homegrown former boxing world champion. Liam returns to the North Queensland Games as an Ambassador as well this year, a decade on from cutting his teeth as an amateur boxer as a teenager.

Over the long weekend we will see volunteers pitch in, local clubs work together, friends and families cheering from the sidelines. The shared experience is what makes our region stronger and more connected.

When community shows up, we build confidence in our people and we show the rest of North Queensland what our region can do. That is the legacy we build together.

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