Ministry of Sport

Collingwood and Breitling Unveil Luxury Partnership with Limited-Edition Timepiece

Posted on March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by Courtney

Collingwood has officially announced a multi-year partnership with Swiss watchmaker Breitling.

The partnership, which sees Breitling join as an Official Partner of the Magpies, was launched alongside the unveiling of the Superocean Automatic 44 Collingwood Limited Edition, a timepiece designed to bridge the gap between high-performance horology and Australian sporting tradition.

A Partnership Anchored by Values, Prestige, and Heritage

Breitling, a brand with a 140-year history of innovation, has established a significant presence in Melbourne through flagship boutiques in the CBD and Chadstone. This collaboration marks its most direct foray into the AFL landscape, leveraging Collingwood’s massive commercial reach and highly engaged supporter base.

Commenting on the partnership, Collingwood CEO, Craig Kelly, said: “Collingwood and Breitling are the perfect pairing. Both organisations have a long and great history and are always looking to be innovative and advanced in the pursuit of success,”

He noted that the partnership allows fans to celebrate the club’s iconic black-and-white identity through a premium, wearable heirloom.

Collingwood midfielder and Breitling ambassador, Nick Daicos joined the launch, highlighting the synergy between elite sport and precision timing.

“In sport, timing and precision are so important, not only to how we prepare but also to everything we do out on the field,” Daicos said.

Breitling Oceania Managing Director Lars Summers added that the watch was designed as a legacy piece for supporters.

“It’s designed as something supporters can wear with pride today and ultimately pass on to the next generation,” Summers stated.

The Superocean 44 Collingwood Limited Edition is retailing for $8,290 and is available via pre-order through Breitling’s official channels and boutiques.

The limited-edition watch is built on Breitling’s robust Superocean 44 platform, featuring:

Design: A monochrome black-and-white dial reflecting the club’s stripes, accented with 18k red gold to symbolise championship success.
Exclusivity: Strictly limited to 125 pieces available only in Australia.
Authenticity: The Collingwood Magpie crest is engraved on the caseback, while the technical specifications include 300-metre water resistance and COSC-certified accuracy.

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Basketball Australia and Basketball New Zealand Launch Trans-Tasman Integrity Partnership

Posted on March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by Courtney

Basketball Australia (BA) and Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) have today entered into a five-year shared services partnership, marking a new era of regional cooperation in sporting governance.

Under the landmark agreement, Basketball Australia’s specialist Integrity Unit will extend its operational capacity to support BBNZ in managing integrity, safeguarding, and compliance matters across the New Zealand basketball ecosystem.

The partnership represents a proactive shift toward cross-border standardisation in participant protection and ethical conduct.

Under the arrangement, BA Integrity will provide BBNZ with high-level support in critical areas including child safeguarding, investigations, match-fixing prevention, and anti-gambling education.

The collaboration also includes the implementation of advanced reporting mechanisms, whistleblowing protocols, and professional case management systems.

Emphasising that the move reflects the maturity of the sport’s internal systems and a commitment to collective leadership, Basketball Australia CEO, Matt Scriven, said: “Integrity, safeguarding and trust sit at the heart of our sport.”

“This partnership recognises that we are stronger when we work together, share expertise and invest in robust systems that protect everyone involved in basketball,” Scriven said.

Echoing his comment about the partnership, BBNZ CEO, Belinda Edwards, said: “This partnership allows Basketball New Zealand to strengthen our integrity capability by working closely with an experienced and highly regarded integrity team.”

“It reinforces our commitment to safeguarding participants, upholding ethical standards and ensuring basketball remains a safe, fair and trusted sport at every level,” Edwards said.

The collaboration comes at a pivotal time for both organisations as they navigate the 2026–2030 strategic cycle.

For Basketball New Zealand, the agreement provides immediate access to world-class expertise and established infrastructure without the overhead of building an independent large-scale integrity department from the ground up.

The shared services model will involve regular reporting to BBNZ leadership and ongoing trend analysis to identify emerging risks within the Pacific region.

The initial five-year term includes scheduled reviews to ensure the partnership continues to meet the evolving needs of the broader basketball community.

Cook Government Launches $6 Million ‘Game On, Girls’ Initiative to Combat Teenage Dropout Rates

Posted on March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by Courtney

The Cook Government has officially launched Game On, Girls, a $6 million investment aimed at reversing the sharp decline in sports participation among teenage girls across Western Australia.

Over the next four years, the initiative will provide direct financial support to community sporting clubs to foster more inclusive and retention-focused environments for athletes aged 13 to 17.

As part of the rollout, local clubs can now apply for grants of up to $5,000. These funds are appropriated for the design and delivery of “girl-friendly” programs that address the specific psychological and physical barriers identified in recent state research.

The program addresses a critical commercial and social challenge within the WA sporting ecosystem.

While participation remains high at 83 per cent for nine-year-olds, it plummets to just 23 per cent by the age of 15. This “participation cliff” represents a loss of future talent, volunteer bases, and membership revenue for local organisations.

Commenting on the program, Sport and Recreation Minister, Rita Saffioti, said: “Game On, Girls is about helping local clubs create environments where young women feel supported, safe and confident to participate.”

She noted that a lack of confidence and self-belief remains a primary barrier to keeping young female players engaged as they transition through adolescence.

The initiative delivers on a key Cook Labor Government election commitment and operates under the broader Power Her Play campaign, a state-wide strategic push to celebrate and professionalise women’s roles in sport.

Minister for Women, Simone McGurk, emphasised that the grants will equip clubs with “practical, on-the-ground support” to transform club cultures from the grassroots up.

Boston Celtics and Amica Launch ‘Game Changers’ Grant for New England Early Education

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Courtney

The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation (BCSF) and Amica Companies Foundation have announced an expansion of their community investment portfolio with the launch of the BCSF Game Changers Early Education Grant program.

This initiative is designed to bolster high-quality learning environments for children aged zero to five in under-resourced communities across New England.

In its inaugural year, the program will award two grants of USD50,000 (AUD71,000) each to selected early education providers.

The funding is specifically reserved for critical infrastructure and capacity-building projects, including health and safety repairs, the reconfiguration of existing spaces to enhance capacity, and the development of new facilities through construction or the rehabilitation of vacant properties.

The “Game Changers” program further cements the partnership between the Celtics and Amica, which recently saw the groundbreaking of a major early education centre in Providence’s Manton Heights.

The program is administered in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) via the Rhode Island Child Care and Early Learning Facilities Fund (RICCELFF).

This collaboration ensures that the capital is deployed effectively, with projects expected to reach completion within one to two years of disbursement.

Feature	Details
Grant Amount	$50,000 (AUD71,000) per recipient (2 recipients total)
Application Window	15 March 2026 – 15 April 2026
Eligible Regions	ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, and select CT postcodes
Target Demographic	Non-profit providers serving children ages 0–5
Disbursement	Single advance installment upon agreement execution

To qualify, applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) public charities and demonstrate the operational capacity to begin their proposed projects within six months of receiving funds.

The selection criteria focus on four strategic pillars: expanding access, supporting school readiness, enhancing family engagement, and building the early childhood education workforce.

Applications are processed through the LISC portal, requiring a comprehensive narrative document and site-specific project plans.

Following the 15 April deadline, LISC will conduct due diligence and site visits before BCSF and Amica finalise the grant recipients.

Milano Cortina 2026 Sets Global Benchmark for Winter Paralympic Sport

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Courtney

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games have concluded as the most commercially successful and widely viewed edition in the event’s 50-year history.

Surpassing all previous benchmarks for participation, broadcast reach, and digital engagement, the Games have fundamentally redefined the market value of winter Para-sport for National Paralympic Committees and global media partners.

The 2026 Games featured a record 611 Para-athletes from 55 National Paralympic Committees, eclipsing the previous high of 564 athletes set at PyeongChang 2018.

Commenting on the record breakers,International Paralympic Committee spokesperson, said: “Milano Cortina 2026 broke multiple records, setting benchmarks for all future Games.”

The competitive depth of the tournament was evident as a record 27 National Paralympic Committees secured medals, with Brazil notably earning its first-ever Winter Paralympic silver through Christian Ribera in Para cross-country skiing.

The commercial appeal of the Games was further bolstered by the debut of five nations, El Salvador, Haiti, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Portugal, while female participation reached an all-time high of 160 competitors, representing an 18 per cent increase from Beijing 2022.

In a significant boost for the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) digital strategy, video content on the official YouTube channel generated over 414 million views. This figure represents a staggering 712 per cent increase over the total views recorded during the Paris 2024 Summer Games, highlighting a massive shift in global audience appetite for winter disciplines.

Broadcast Level Reached New Heights

Milano Cortina 2026 was the most widely covered Paralympic Winter Games in history, with 20 Media Rights Holders delivering the action to a record 126 countries.

Host nation Italy capitalised on the home-ground advantage to secure its best-ever performance, winning 16 medals, including seven golds.

The commercial boom of the event was best illustrated at the Santagiulia Arena in Milan, where the Para ice hockey gold medal match between the USA and Canada attracted a bumper crowd of 11,000, breaking the previous attendance record of 8,462 set in 2002.

Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Cancelled in April

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 and the FIA have officially confirmed the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April 2026.

The decision follows a rigorous evaluation of the escalating security situation in the Middle East, with both the governing body and the Formula One Group citing the safety of personnel and the broader sporting community as the non-negotiable priority.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was slated for 12 April at the Sakhir circuit, followed immediately by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on 19 April.

In a coordinated statement, the FIA confirmed that several alternatives were explored to fill the vacancies; however, it was ultimately determined that no replacement races will be scheduled for the April window. This leaves a significant five-week gap in the 2026 calendar between the Japanese Grand Prix on 29 March and the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.

Commenting on the announcement,FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first.”

“After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind.

“Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow,” he said.

The cancellation extends to all support categories, with FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, and the F1 Academy rounds also scrapped for the April period.

President and CEO of Formula One Group, Stefano Domenicali, expressed gratitude to the local promoters for their total understanding, describing the move as difficult but unfortunately the right one.

The regional instability has created significant logistical hurdles, with disruptions to freight shipping and Middle Eastern airspace making the safe transport of cars and technical equipment impossible.

The decision also carries a heavy commercial toll, with the loss of two high-fee events expected to impact the league’s annual revenue by over $130 million.

With the 2026 season now reduced from 24 to 22 rounds, teams will likely utilise the unexpected April hiatus to refine their technical packages following the introduction of the sport’s new engine and chassis regulations earlier this year.

New Zealand Custom Mouthguards Announce Partnership with One New Zealand Warriors

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Courtney

The One New Zealand Warriors has signed a two-year sponsorship agreement with New Zealand Custom Mouthguards.

The deal installs the specialist provider as the club’s official mouthguard supplier, a move strategically aimed at enhancing player welfare and safety standards across the organisation’s entire football department.

New Zealand Custom Mouthguards will provide medical-grade protection for athletes across all six of the Warriors’ competitive squads, including the NRL, NRLW, and New South Wales Cup teams, as well as the Jersey Flegg (U21), SG Ball (U19), and Harold Matthews (U17) development sides.

The collaboration holds significant internal synergy, as New Zealand Custom Mouthguards was co-founded by Drury-based dentist, Dr Reuben Katene, and veteran One New Zealand Warriors winger, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

Alongside qualified dental technician Agil Samarasan, the team combines elite sporting experience with clinical expertise to produce custom-fitted protection designed for high-impact professional environments.

Commenting on the partnership, One New Zealand Warriors COO of commercial and marketing, Glenn Harris, said: “We’re thrilled to have New Zealand Custom Mouthguards with us and share the company’s commitment to protect athletes in what is such a critical space for player welfare in a sport like ours.”

For New Zealand Custom Mouthguards, the sponsorship serves as a platform to normalise higher safety standards within Aotearoa’s sporting landscape.

Dr Katene emphasised that a core objective of the two-year deal is to make professional-grade custom mouthguards more accessible and affordable for grassroots clubs, schools, and local communities.

This latest addition to the Warriors’ sponsorship family follows a series of successful commercial renewals and new partnerships for the 2026 campaign, as the club continues to leverage its strong digital engagement and high-performance reputation.

Former Wallaby Sean Hardman Elected Queensland Rugby Union President

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Courtney

Queensland’s most-capped player, Sean Hardman, has been elected President of the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU). Hardman (QRU #1102, Wallaby #776), who replaces outgoing president Roger Gould after a six-year tenure, inherits an organisation that recently confirmed its seventh consecutive operating profit.

A stalwart of the game, Hardman made 148 appearances for the Queensland Reds between 1999 and 2010 and earned four caps for the Wallabies.

His election follows a period of stability under Gould, who was recently inducted into the QRU Hall of Fame. Hardman’s return to a leadership role comes after serving as a players’ representative on the board and holding executive positions with the Classic Wallabies and Brothers Rugby Club.

Commenting on his appointment, former wallaby, Hardman, said: “It’s a great honour, especially at this time with rugby having the chance to make a major imprint in Australia over the next few years.”

The QRU’s financial trajectory provided a positive backdrop for the Annual General Meeting. The union reported a 2025 EBITDA of $813,997, a substantial increase from the $199,832 recorded in 2024.

This growth was largely attributed to the successful commercialisation of the Ballymore precinct and match-day revenues, including the Queensland Reds’ high-profile fixture against the British and Irish Lions.

Strategic infrastructure investments, specifically the BMS National Rugby Training Centre, have transformed Ballymore from an annual $1 million liability into a near break-even commercial asset.

This fiscal discipline supports the union’s “unashamedly aspirational” 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, which aims for 100,000 participants and average crowds of 25,000 at Suncorp Stadium by the end of the decade.

The meeting also saw the re-election of vice-presidents Kim Bending and Jen Gillett, while Linda Bennetts was awarded Life Membership for 40 years of service.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Breaks Attendance Records

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Courtney

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ has reached a new record, with total tournament attendance officially surpassing the 200,000 mark following a record-breaking quarter-final weekend.

The latest figures confirm a cumulative attendance of 223,112, cementing this edition as the most attended in the history of the continental competition.

The tournament set a new benchmark for matches featuring two non-host nations. On Saturday night, 12,974 fans attended the Korea Republic versus Uzbekistan clash at Stadium Australia.

That record lasted less than 24 hours, eclipsed on Sunday when 13,321 spectators turned out for the Japan versus Philippines quarter-final at the same venue.

These figures surpassed the previous non-host record of 10,000, established during the 2014 final in Vietnam.

In addition, the tournament’s commercial health is evidenced by ticket sales, which have now climbed past 300,000.

This surge in demand highlights the sustained appetite for elite women’s football in Australia following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, proving the region remains a premier destination for high-stakes international fixtures.

The focus now shifts to a blockbuster semi-final schedule that promises further commercial upside.

Australia is set to face defending champions and nine-time winners China PR on Tuesday night at a high-capacity Perth Stadium. On Wednesday, the attention returns to Sydney as Korea Republic takes on Japan at Stadium Australia.

The stakes extend beyond the trophy, with two remaining berths for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup still contested. Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, and DPR Korea will compete in the play-offs at Gold Coast Stadium, a critical development for the strategic growth of the game across the Asian Football Confederation.

Netball Queensland Partners with ‘Tackle Your Feelings’ for Mental Health Education

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Courtney

Netball Queensland has announced a partnership to roll out the Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) mental health literacy program across the state.

The initiative, marks a significant cross-code collaboration, as the program was originally developed by the AFL Coaches Association and AFL Players’ Association in partnership with Zurich Insurance.

The program is designed to equip coaches, committee members, and umpires with the skills to recognise and respond to signs of mental ill-health, fostering a more supportive environment within community sport.

Praising the program’s accessibility, Netball Queensland COO, Glenn Dennis, said: “The program is practical, concise and easy to digest for athletes and staff alike and we really believe it will have impact from inception.”

Noting how netball’s deep roots in Queensland make it an ideal platform for the program, Tackle Your Feelings’ head of community impact, Dan Mahony, added: “Together, we can help players, coaches, and volunteers build the confidence to look after themselves and the people around them.”

Targeted Reach and Rollout Strategy

Netball Queensland has committed to hosting 30 in-person workshops annually, with a goal of reaching at least 600 participants each year.

The rollout will prioritise high-performance pathways before expanding to the wider grassroots community:

Phase 1 (Completed): Netball Queensland internal staff underwent training at Nissan Arena in February.
Phase 2: Integration into the HART Premier Netball League, Firebirds Futures, and state team programs.
Phase 3: Availability for community associations and clubs via an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, targeting both metropolitan and regional “early adopters.”

Breaking the Stigma through Collaboration

Netball Queensland and TYF will collaborate on co-branded digital content and case studies to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conversations.

This digital push aims to ensure that volunteers and players at every level, from the Under 16s to the elite, have access to resources that promote mental resilience.

Kia Extends Record-Breaking Partnership with Surrey Women Until 2029

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Courtney

Kia UK has renewed its headline partnership with the Surrey County Cricket Club women’s team for an additional three years, extending the association through the end of 2029. The six-figure deal represents the largest standalone partnership in the history of domestic women’s cricket in the UK.

The agreement solidifies Kia’s role as the front-of-shirt sponsor for Bryony Smith’s side across all formats, including the T20, One Day Cup, and training apparel.

A Legacy of KIA and Surrey County Club

The relationship between Kia and Surrey is now the longest brand association in English sport, spanning 16 years.

President and CEO of Kia UK, Paul Philpott, noted that while the Kia logo has evolved (removing the oval from the design in 2021), the connection to the venue and its teams has never been stronger.

Praising the impact of the partnership, CEO of Surrey County Cricket Club, Steve Elworthy MBE, said: “Kia has played a trailblazing role in championing women’s cricket in the UK…”

“Our relationship is built on a foundation of common values, with promoting and celebrating women’s cricket being a core commitment,” Elworthy said.

Defending the Crown: 2026 Vitality Blast

As the defending Vitality T20 Blast champions, Surrey Women are set for a high-stakes 2026 season.

Under the leadership of captain Bryony Smith, the team will begin their title defense at the Kia Oval with a blockbuster double-header.

Key 2026 Fixture Highlights:

Opening Day Double-Header: Surrey Women v Lancashire Thunder — Friday, May 22, 2026 (2:15 pm start).
Standalone Spotlight: Surrey Women v Durham Women — Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (6:30 pm start).
Finals Day: The Kia Oval will once again host the Women’s Vitality T20 Blast Finals Day on Friday, July 17, 2026.

Innovation and Fan Engagement

The renewed partnership introduces several “fan-first” initiatives designed to bring the Three Feathers community closer to the players:

The “Three Feathers” Podcast: An all-new series offering behind-the-scenes access and player insights from the dressing room.
Match-Day Experiences: For each of the 12 women’s games at the Kia Oval, a young fan will be invited onto the pitch to present the Player-of-the-Match Award.
The “Kia Catch”: Fans in the stands can win £1,000 by catching a six during T20 matches.
Grassroots Support: Surrey players will conduct masterclasses and meet-and-greets with local girls’ clubs to inspire the next generation of cricketers.

AFL and NITV Strengthen Strategic Ties with the Launch of ‘Inside the Huddle’

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Football League has officially bolstered its media and inclusion strategy for the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, announcing a renewed content partnership with National Indigenous Television (NITV).

The centrepiece of this collaboration is the debut of Inside the Huddle, a weekly program designed to provide a culturally informed lens on the league’s commercial and community operations.

The initiative aligns directly with the AFL’s recently ratified First Nations Strategy.

By dedicating a prime-time slot to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, the league aims to formalise its commitment to representation while diversifying its digital and broadcast inventory. The program will be accessible across NITV, SBS On Demand, and the AFL’s proprietary digital platforms, ensuring a broad commercial reach.

The production is led by executive producer, Tony Briggs, a Yorta Yorta and Wurundjeri man and founder of Typecast Entertainment.

Briggs, renowned for creating The Sapphires, brings significant industry prestige to the project. His appointment signals the AFL’s intent to move beyond surface-level engagement, instead investing in high-calibre production values that resonate with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences.

Commenting on the launch, AFL general manager of first nations engagement and inclusion, Taryn Lee, said: “Guided by the AFL’s First Nations Strategy, it’s incredibly important that we have a dedicated First Nations show and strong First Nations voices across our platforms.”

She also noted that the program creates a vital space for storytelling that reflects the richness of the game’s heritage.

Emphasising the broader industry implications, NITV’s head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production, Dena Curtis, added: “Through this partnership with the AFL, Inside the Huddle gives First Nations voices a platform to lead the conversation around the game and the communities that have shaped it.”

Inside the Huddle Team

The show is fronted by Gunditjmara and Wiradjuri man and triple-premiership player Chris Johnson, alongside Warumungu and Yawuru presenter Megan Waters.

The roster of rotating co-hosts includes high-profile talent such as Jarman Impey, Chad Wingard, Courtney Ugle, and Zac Williams. This use of “star power” is expected to drive engagement metrics across the AFL’s social and streaming services.

Essendon Announce New Partnership with MOVA

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Courtney

The Essendon Football Club has secured MOVA as its official smart home technology partner for the 2026 season.

The innovative brand, known for its AI-driven appliances, joins the club as the Official Home Cleaning Appliance, Outdoor Lawnmowing, and Personal Care Products Partner.

Founded in early 2024, MOVA has rapidly ascended the global tech landscape, earning prestigious CES and IFA Innovation Awards for its design and performance. The partnership aligns the “Bombers” with a brand that mirrors their pursuit of high-performance standards on and off the field.

MOVA’s ANZ country manager, Nancy Zhang, noted the partnership is a key opportunity to connect with Australian households, bringing the brand’s “drive to keep pushing forward” to the passionate Essendon community.

Essendon COO Nick Ryan welcomed the brand, stating: “MOVA is an innovative brand with a clear vision for quality and performance, and we are excited to work alongside a partner that mirrors our own ambition.”

A Powerful Match-Up for Season 2026

The timing of the partnership coincides with the start of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, where Essendon is looking to set a dominant tone early.

Round 1 Blockbuster: Essendon faces old rivals Hawthorn tonight, Friday, March 13, 2026, under the lights at the MCG.
Record Ambitions: The club is aiming to break the all-time home-and-away attendance record for an Essendon-Hawthorn clash, with a crowd of 80,000+ expected.

Penrith’s New World-Class Stadium Revealed as Helloworld Stadium

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Courtney

The travel industry’s heavyweights are touching down in Western Sydney, with Helloworld Travel announced as the inaugural naming rights partner for Penrith’s state-of-the-art stadium.

The five-year agreement, marks the first time Australia’s leading retail travel network has sponsored a major sporting venue, securing the title of Helloworld Stadium.

The $309 million redevelopment, currently being delivered by John Holland, is the center-piece of the NSW Government’s infrastructure blitz in the West. Designed to replace the historic Penrith Park (opened in 1967), the new venue is on track to open in early 2027, just in time for the Penrith Panthers’ homecoming season.

Noting the synergy with the region’s growth, Sport and Tourism Minister, Steve Kamper, said: “With construction of Helloworld Stadium to be completed and the new Western Sydney Airport to open this year, this is an exciting partnership that will take Penrith to the world.”

Helloworld Stadium as a Modern Arena for a Growing Community

Helloworld Stadium is being engineered for both intimacy and scale. Key features of the new “crown jewel” include:

Capacity: 25,000 for sporting events and up to 30,000 for major concerts.
Fan-First Design: Steeper grandstands to bring spectators closer to the action, plus the retention of the iconic “family-friendly hills” at the ends of the ground.
Modern Amenities: A doubling of female bathrooms and changerooms, triple the wheelchair-accessible seating, and four gender-neutral changerooms to support all codes.
Technology: State-of-the-art videoboards and digital sound systems designed for a premier match-day and concert experience.

Connecting People and Experiences

Chief executive and managing director of Helloworld Travel, Andrew Burnes AO, shared how the naming reflects their commitment to connecting people with unforgettable experiences—whether that’s exploring the world, or coming together to celebrate great sporting and live entertainment events.

Construction Milestone Update (March 2026): Progress at the site is accelerating, with the eastern grandstand roof recently lifted into place using a 600-tonne crane. Works have now shifted to the multi-level western grandstand, where concrete has been poured for the player run-out area and corporate facilities.

The Glennie School Named Queensland’s First Australian Olympic Pathway School

Posted on March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has officially designated The Glennie School as Queensland’s first Australian Olympic Pathway School.

The announcement also distinguishes the Toowoomba-based institution as the first regional school in Australia to join the prestigious network.

The school joins a select group of eight other Pathway schools—all located in New South Wales—dedicated to identifying and nurturing elite athletic talent ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Toowoomba: A Future Olympic Hub

Under the 2032 Delivery Plan recently unveiled by the Queensland Government, the Toowoomba Showgrounds will undergo a massive transformation into an Equestrian Centre of Excellence.

The upgraded facility will host all Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events, including dressage, show jumping, and eventing.

The $300M+ project will include international-standard cross-country courses and a satellite Athletes’ Village, positioning the Darling Downs as a world-class sporting destination.

What is an Olympic Pathway School?

Highlighting that the program is about more than just physical training, Australian Olympic Committee CEO, Mark Arbib, said: “Glennie has proven it can produce well-rounded student-athletes… By catering for the student holistically, Glennie helps all students have a lifelong connection to sport.”

To achieve this designation, a school must meet rigorous AOC criteria, including a minimum of five talent identification programs linked to Olympic sports. The Glennie School currently supports seven:

Field Sports: Rugby 7s, Hockey, Cricket, and Handball.
Multisport & Technical: Triathlon, Modern Pentathlon, and Equestrian.

World-Class Facilities and Alumni

Glennie students will benefit from direct access to high-performance strength and conditioning experts, sports psychologists, and nutritionists.

The school’s campus already features:

Toowoomba’s only synthetic athletics track.
A 25m heated ten-lane indoor pool.
Elite high-performance gym facilities.

Principal Emma Lowry noted that this new status provides a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for current students to pursue their dreams of wearing the green and gold in their home state in 2032.