Local Sports Clubs Win Big As New Season Kicks -Off

Local sporting clubs across the Whitsundays received a boost on Tuesday with the delivery of new marquees, providing valuable support for events, competitions and community activities throughout the region.

The Whitsunday Sea Eagles AFL Club, Whitsunday Triathlon Club and Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union were thrilled to receive the new additions, which will help create welcoming spaces for athletes, volunteers and supporters alike.

Chairman of Club Whitsunday Justin Butler said he is extremely thankful to Amanda Camm MP for the donation of marquees and grants for local sport clubs.

“We'd like to thank Amanda for the not only the marquees, but for the Gambling Community Programme that our sports are always involved in and applying for, and winning and driving infrastructure for sport in a growing town,” he said.

“It’s a constant battle against the sun up here, it’s getting hotter and it has always been a constant battle.

“Between all the different sporting associations that use the Sportspark, we would have 30 marquees, and we need four to five new ones every single year. So, this is a great initiative.”

GAMES ON! Program Up And Running

Going into the 2026, the Whitsunday Sportspark and Club Whitsunday are ready for the busy season to start.

“It's all firing up. This is actually the first week where all of our winter codes are back on deck and training,” said Chairman of Club Whitsunday Justin Butler.

“It's back to the Sportspark being busy every night of the week, and it's only another month or so, and the weekend games start up.

“The Mackay sides will be coming up and our swords will be heading down there and that's a good thing for the town and the economy and the club and everything else.”

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said she encourages local sporting clubs across the Whitsundays to apply for a share of $30 million which is now available under Round 2 of the Queensland Government’s ‘Games On!’ program.

Ms Camm said the launch of Round 2 reinforces the State Government’s commitment to delivering a strong legacy from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with real benefits flowing to grassroots sport in regional communities like the Whitsundays.

“This is about making sure the Whitsundays sees real and lasting benefits from the Games,” Ms Camm said.

“Games On! funding will help local clubs upgrade facilities, improve accessibility, and support greater participation in sport right across our region.”

Ms Camm said local clubs were encouraged to come forward with shovel-ready projects.

“Our sporting clubs are at the heart of Whitsunday communities,” she said.

“This funding is an opportunity to strengthen facilities, support volunteers, and ensure locals of all ages can get involved in sport close to home.”

Sports clubs in the Whitsundays are happy with their new marquees. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union happy with their program funding. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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