Bundaberg Regional Council kept things moving in 2024 with a range of successful sport and recreation activities held throughout the year.
From hosting events to funding support and facility upgrades, there was plenty of action-packed activity around the region.
Events
A 2024 sporting highlight was the successful delivery of Round 24 of the NRL season in Bundaberg where more than 6,000 fans gathered to watch the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs take on the Redcliff Dolphins at Salter Oval.
The annual Move it Expo proved popular once again, with 51 stallholders and six live on-stage demonstrations as well as a dance fitness After Party, all under one roof at the Bundaberg Multiplex.
More than 4,200 people attended the 189 scheduled classes as part of the Be Active Be Alive program, running over a combined 18-week period at parks, pools and venues across the region.
Funding
Council supported several funding initiatives including the sponsorship of local athletes Taryn Gollshewsky, Shannan Davey and Rheed McCracken who represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games
A total of $4,000 was secured through the Young People in Sport Program to support 17 local young athletes representing Queensland or Australia at national or international competitions.
Three major cycling, triathlon and lawn bowls events were brought to the region through $13,750 in funding through the Sport Championship Funding Program.
There was also financial sponsorship of Netball Queensland’s 2024 Primary School Cup held in Bundaberg as well as financial and in-kind sponsorship of the Bulls Masters tour to Bundaberg, which in turn provided a financial and participation boost to the Bundaberg Cricket Association.
Support and upgrades
The Sport and Recreation team continued to provide a range of support to local clubs, groups and organisations in 2024.
This included engaging SportENG to conduct a track assessment for Drinan Park velodrome to inform future site decisions as well as the coordination and support of the new three-year contract for Surf Life Saving QLD to continue to provide their services at local beaches.
Upgrades were also completed at local sporting facilities including the new IAAF certified hammer throw and discus cages at Bundaberg Super Park and 607 seats replaced at Salter Oval.
