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Around 1,500 people gathered at Harrup Park for the opening ceremony of the North Queensland Games, launching the 2026 competition with community celebration despite challenging weather conditions. Photo source: North Queensland Games
Despite challenging weather conditions, the opening ceremony of the North Queensland Games drew an impressive crowd of around 1,500 people to Harrup Park, marking a spirited start to the 2026 regional sporting event.
The ceremony, hosted by Tegan Philpott, brought together athletes, officials and supporters from across the region in a celebration of sport, community and participation.
Attendees heard from Mayor Greg Williamson and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly, who addressed the crowd on behalf of both David Crisafulli and Tim Mander, acknowledging the importance of the Games in strengthening regional sport and community connections.
The event also featured the Games’ ambassadors, Olympic beach volleyball champion Natalie Cook and local sporting advocate Tori West. While Mackay boxing star Liam Paro was unable to attend due to personal reasons, he remains an ambassador for the Games.
A strong sense of history was reflected in the presence of Bill Cummings from the 1956 Torch Bearers Club, highlighting the enduring legacy of sport across generations.
The ceremony began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country delivered by Philip Kemp of the Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC.
Athletes formally marked the start of competition as Derrick Evans led the official oath alongside athletes Lily Woods and Myarah Ahoy from Athletics North Queensland.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the March of Athletes, led by the Holy Spirit Drum Corps, as more than 20 sporting clubs entered the arena in a vibrant display of unity from across North Queensland.
While wet weather prevented the traditional torch relay from taking place, the ceremony maintained its celebratory atmosphere with fireworks, live music from ViVa Acoustic, jumping castles and community stalls.
Event activations were supported by Struddy’s, PEAK and the Queensland Academy of Sport, alongside media partners including 7NEWS Mackay, which sponsored the 100-metre sprint prize money, and Star 101.9 Mackay, which broadcast live from the Games cauldron.
The 2026 North Queensland Games is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, with organisers thanking sponsors, partners and the community for helping deliver a memorable opening celebration.
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