Gold Coast SUNS Extends Partnership with Mackay Regional Council

The Gold Coast SUNS have announced a partnership extension with the Mackay Regional Council, securing Mackay’s status as the home-away-from-home for the club’s AFLW program.

The commercial arrangement, which will now run until 2028, has been a powerful engine for growing female sport in Central Queensland. Since the SUNS entered the AFLW competition in 2020, they have hosted six AFLW matches at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Mackay Regional Council Mayor, Greg Williamson, said: “AFL participation in Mackay has grown by 15 per cent during this period, with female participation increasing by 20 per cent, highlighting the positive impact of the collaboration on grassroots sport.”

For the Gold Coast SUNS organisation, the extension guarantees a regional base with proven community appeal and a strong pathway for talent identification, with several local players and coaching staff having progressed onto the AFLW list.

Deputy CEO, Simon Fitzgibbon, welcomed the move, stating the council has been an influential supporter of their club, in particular their AFLW program, for almost a decade, and expressing a desire to strengthen these ties and continuing to grow the game in Mackay.

Beyond grassroots participation, the partnership is a valuable tool for economic stimulation.

Mayor Williamson noted that the collaboration has stimulated significant economic activity through visitation, corporate delegations and community events, ensuring that the high-value sporting investment delivers a strong financial honour for the region.

The commitment allows the council to continue showcasing Mackay as a vibrant hub for sport, business, and community, leveraging the recognisable AFLW brand.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.