The Bulls Masters Country Challenge will be held in Bundaberg from 2019 to 2021 after the Rum City secured the rights this week.
In a massive coup for the town, all eight Regional Queensland zones will descend on Bundaberg from 4 October to 6 October, to decide who will play for the Cup at the Gabba in a curtain raiser for the Brisbane Heat.
Bulls Masters Managing Director Jimmy Maher said it was an exciting time for cricket in the Bundaberg Region.
“It shows that the people in the Bundaberg Region care about developing the game and creating opportunities for the people in the Town,” he said.
Council’s Sport and Recreation spokesperson Cr Helen Blackburn said Council had offered sponsorship to the initiative which would take the game to another level in the Bundaberg Region.
“It really is opening the door for our talented local players to engage in a quality competition that may provide them an opportunity for exposure at an elite level,” Cr Blackburn said.
“There are also excellent opportunities for Council to get its branding exposed to a statewide audience through logo promotions, social media and on-ground announcements.”
Bulls Masters Country Challenge boon for Bundaberg Region
Cr Blackburn said the Bulls Masters had delivered quality entertainment as well as mentoring programs through local schools.
“Playing the Country Challenge locally will provide an economic benefit to our community through accommodation, food and the normal visitor experiences expenses,” she said.
“Much thanks has to go to the Mayor, Jack Dempsey and his team at the Bundaberg Regional Council for supporting the Bulls Masters Country Challenge,” Mr Maher said.
Bundaberg Cricket Association President Ian Grills was excited about the possibilities that hosting the event would provide for the town of Bundaberg.
“This is a premium Country Queensland sporting event and is sure to be a massive boost for the sport and economy locally and will continue to assist with the improvement of facilities in regional centres like Bundaberg,” Mr Grills said.
“The buzz in the Wide Bay Cricket circles has already started with the region working on forming the strongest Wide Bay Team seen in a number of years.”
