Page 8 – Ministry of Sport

Adelaide United and AMES Announce Partnership to Boost Community Engagement

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Courtney

Adelaide United has announced a new partnership with migrant and refugee settlement agency, AMES Australia, aimed at enhancing integration and support for newly arrived communities in South Australia.

The agreement will run through the 2025/26 A-League Men’s and Women’s seasons and focus on using football as a tool for social connection, youth engagement, and cultural inclusion.

Under the arrangement, the two organisations will deliver initiatives including multicultural matchdays during Harmony Week, pre-match citizenship ceremonies, junior development clinics, youth engagement events, and volunteer pathways. The program is designed to promote participation and cultural understanding while providing opportunities for community involvement.

Focus on Female Participation and Respect Initiatives

A central component of the partnership is the development of female-focused football programs. These will aim to foster leadership, confidence, and participation among girls and young women from diverse backgrounds.

The programs will also integrate AMES’ “Sport for Respect” initiative, which uses sport to address domestic and gender-based violence, promote respect, and highlight positive role models.

Commenting on the partnership, Adelaide United CEO, Nathan Kosmina, said: “Our purpose extends far beyond the pitch. This partnership with AMES is a natural extension of our values of inclusion, respect, and empowerment.”

Broader Settlement and Engagement Outcomes

Emphasising the importance of football as a unifying force, noting the agreement’s potential to deliver access to sport, education, and employment opportunities for migrants and refugees, AMES CEO, Catherine Scarth, added: “Football is the world game, and it has the power to bring diverse communities and people together.”

Framing the initiative within the state’s broader strategy for inclusive sport, South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Emily Bourke, noted: “This partnership sets out to provide opportunities for girls and women to achieve their goals on and off the pitch.”

Infrastructure and Resource Sharing

As part of the collaboration, Adelaide United will make its facilities available for AMES-led programs, including youth workshops, community meetings, and collaborative planning sessions.

This arrangement provides a professional and accessible environment for engagement activities and reinforces the club’s position as a community hub.

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Washington Spirit Launches “Shop Our Spirit” Campaign to Support Female-Owned Businesses

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Courtney

The Washington Spirit has launched the “Shop Our Spirit” campaign in collaboration with several small businesses. This initiative aims to enhance the visibility of women-owned enterprises within the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area.

The “Shop Our Spirit” campaign showcases a carefully curated selection of ten local businesses that align with the ethos of both the club and its players. The initiative will unfold through a combination of social media engagement, matchday activities, and off-site promotions, creating opportunities for unique interactions that benefit both the Spirit and participating businesses.

Club’s Commitment to Community Engagement

Highlighting the club’s commitment to community engagement, Vice President of Community Development for the Spirit, RaShauna Hamilton, said: “The Washington Spirit is more than a soccer club; we see ourselves as an integral part of the Washington D.C. community, and that perspective informs everything we do.”

“We are excited to collaborate with these ten remarkable women-led businesses, and we look forward to our fans and players exploring the incredible offerings they present,” Hamilton said.

Small Business Perspective

Expressing her enthusiasm for the initiative, Black Flower Market owner, Kehmari Norman, added: “BLK FLWR MRKT is thrilled to join the Shop Our Spirit campaign. Over 90% of our customers – our Flower Buds – are women,”

“making it a privilege to partake in an initiative that not only celebrates women-owned businesses but also acknowledges the contributions of women who make these enterprises successful,” Norman noted.

Collaborations illustrations

To illustrate their collaboration, the Spirit recently partnered with Black Flower Market to present floral arrangements to players Sofia Cantore and Esme Morgan, commending their achievements as Euro Champions.

The campaign also highlights a diverse range of businesses, including Femme Fatale, a retail hub that empowers women and non-binary creatives and entrepreneurs by providing a platform for unique items and hosting events and workshops.

Additionally, Others Coffee, a specialty coffee roasting company based in Washington D.C., exemplifies the artistry of coffee culture while fostering community engagement.

Overall, the “Shop Our Spirit” campaign highlights the Washington Spirit’s commitment to community involvement and the empowerment of female entrepreneurs, reinforcing an essential aspect of the club’s identity.

Rabbitohs Business Chamber Fundraising Luncheon Celebrates Indigenous Excellence

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Courtney

The Rabbitohs Business Chamber hosted the 2025 Fundraising Luncheon last 8 August, Friday, at the Ivy Ballroom, marking an afternoon dedicated to connection, culture, and community engagement.

The event commenced with a heartfelt welcome from Aunty Barb Simms, representing the Bidjigal and Wadi Wadi nations, who set a respectful tone for the day.

This was complemented by a vibrant performance from the Wambuul Dancers, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of First Nations peoples.

A key highlight was the First Nations Business discussion, featuring insights from James Widders-Leece of BY Group, Dean Widders from SunUp, and Alisha Parker-Elrez, CEO of Souths Cares.

The panel provided a thorough exploration of how First Nations enterprises are paving the way for economic empowerment and creating lasting social impacts within their communities.

The Souths Cares session brought together Program Mentors Yileen Gordon, Rhys Wesser, Brittney Simpson, and Nanga Mai Marri Program Mentee Imogen Grant. Attendees gained valuable insights into the transformative programs aimed at advancing education, employment, and health and wellbeing in the community.

The fundraising aspect of the luncheon proved to be a significant success, with both live and silent auctions featuring standout items such as an Indigenous Signed Jersey and an Indigenous Round Experience. The event raised crucial funds to support Souths Cares in continuing its life-changing initiatives.

With over 60 members of the Rabbitohs Business Chamber present, the luncheon served as an excellent occasion for corporate partners to network while celebrating Indigenous excellence in business.

As the day concluded, participants left with a sense of fulfilment, understanding that each conversation and contribution would further empower Souths Cares to deliver impactful community programs.

Kia Australia Gifts Logo Space to Deadly Choices for Indigenous Round

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Courtney

The Brisbane Broncos’ major sponsor, Kia Australia, will replace its logo with the Deadly Choices brand on the team’s NRL Indigenous Round jersey, highlighting its support for the health initiative.

The jersey will debut in the Indigenous Round clash against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, 16 August.

Championing Community Health

Kia Australia representative Jol Hurst praised the impact of the Deadly Choices program.

“I want to congratulate the Brisbane Broncos and our partners at Deadly Choices for their outstanding work in providing 715 health checks,” Hurst said.

“The unique approach they take to encourage these health checks within the community is incredibly vital, and we are honoured to be involved.”

Celebrating Indigenous Round

Deadly Choices spokesperson Dallas Leon said the round offered a powerful platform to showcase the program’s message.

“Having the Deadly Choices brand alongside remarkable partners like Kia Australia and the Brisbane Broncos is truly special. In the Australian sporting scene, it’s rare to see an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brand showcased on such a prominent platform. This weekend presents a fantastic opportunity for our community to promote the message of Deadly Choices, making healthy choices for oneself and one’s family.”

A Long-Standing Partnership

The Broncos have partnered with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, operator of the Deadly Choices program, for 14 years. The initiative empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to adopt healthy lifestyles and prioritise annual health checks.

Over the past three years, nearly 5,000 First Nations individuals have completed the 715 health check — a critical step in preventing chronic disease and building healthier futures.

Jersey Launch on Minjerribah

This year’s Indigenous jersey was launched on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) with representatives from Kia Australia, Broncos ambassadors, and the jersey artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins.

For the second consecutive year, Cockatoo-Collins, a Quandamooka artist, designed the jersey. The 2025 edition, titled Ancestor’s Armour: 2.0, continues the storytelling tradition that connects the team’s identity with cultural heritage.

Hockey One League Extends Finals Series Partnership with Project Innovations

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Courtney

The Hockey One League has confirmed the renewal of its partnership with Singapore-based consultancy Project Innovations as presenting partner of the 2025 Finals Series, marking the second consecutive year of collaboration.

Project Innovations, which operates across Australia and Asia providing construction management services, will retain prominent brand placement on player shirts during the Finals weekend, scheduled for 29–30 November in Melbourne. The event will feature the top four men’s and women’s teams competing for the national title.

The renewed agreement underscores the league’s growing commercial reach, particularly in securing international corporate backing for an Australian domestic competition.

Sharing the partnership’s continual support to the league’s ambition to engance the marquee event, Hockey One Executive Manager, Sash Herceg, said: “For the second year running, Project Innovations will play a key role in elevating the Finals Series in Melbourne to new heights.”

“Equally encouraging is the growing commercial interest from overseas, which strongly aligns with our long-term strategy,” Herceg said.

Commercial and Strategic Appeal for Sponsors

For Project Innovations, the investment represents an ongoing interest in the league’s potential to engage audiences beyond Australia.

Sharing the competition’s international dimension, Hockey One CEO, Paul R. Lim, added: “The Hockey One League has quickly positioned itself as one of the top national competitions in the world, featuring some of the best hockey players in Australia and internationally.”

“We’re particularly interested in the international aspect of the League and are aware of some exciting announcements on this front,” Lim noted.

Melbourne Finals Series Set to Leverage Event Infrastructure

The Finals Series is a critical asset in Hockey One’s annual calendar, offering sponsorship visibility through broadcast exposure and live audiences.

In 2024, the event in Hobart drew strong attendance, and the shift to Melbourne this year is expected to benefit from the city’s established major-event infrastructure.

From a commercial standpoint, the presence of an international partner like Project Innovations strengthens the league’s positioning for future sponsorship negotiations. It also demonstrates the viability of Australian domestic leagues to attract overseas investment.

Season Timeline and Ticket Sales

The 2025 Hockey One season begins on 10 October, with all matches to be streamed live and free on 7plus. Tickets go on sale from 1 September, with Finals Series tickets released later in the season.

Reg Richardson AO Training & Learning Centre Opens

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Courtney

On 12 August 2025, the Reg Richardson AO Training & Learning Centre officially opened at Redfern Oval, marking a milestone for community education, sports development, and youth opportunity in Sydney’s inner south.

The facility was created through a partnership between TAFE NSW and the Rabbitohs Institute. It offers students direct access to advanced training resources, modern classrooms, and professional-level sports facilities designed to support both learning and athletic growth.

Honouring Reg Richardson AO

Named after Reg Richardson AO, the centre recognises his significant role in the redevelopment. Richardson said the project reflects his commitment to creating opportunities for young people to develop skills and achieve success in both education and sport.

Partnership for Education and Wellbeing

Kim McDonald, Director of Health, Wellbeing & Community Services at TAFE NSW, praised the strong collaboration with the Rabbitohs Institute. She said the centre will boost student learning, support athlete development, and deliver broader benefits to the community.

High-Performance Training for Future Athletes

The new high-performance gym and training areas are designed for aspiring Rabbitohs players and young athletes from across the region. These facilities will help athletes improve physical performance, strengthen career pathways, and prepare for the demands of professional sport. Students will also gain practical experience to complement their academic learning.

Official Opening Ceremony

Reg Richardson AO cut the ribbon alongside Minister Michael Daley, Minister Ron Hoenig, Monica Barone from the City of Sydney, and former Rabbitohs players Bob McCarthy, Michael Andrews, and Wayne Stevens.

Attendees toured the centre, met students and staff, and explored the range of educational and sporting programmes on offer.

UFC to Move to Paramount in Record Broadcast Agreement

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Courtney

Paramount, fresh from its merger with Skydance Corporation, has secured a landmark seven-year, USD7.7 billion (AUD11.6 billion) agreement to acquire exclusive U.S. broadcast rights to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events, commencing in 2026.

Under the deal, CBS and streaming service Paramount+ will carry 30 UFC Fight Nights and 13 marquee events annually.

The agreement doubles the annual value of UFC’s current U.S. rights deal with ESPN+, ending the pay-per-view distribution model that has underpinned UFC’s U.S. business for years.

Strategic Shift in UFC Distribution

The move represents a significant strategy in UFC’s U.S. content distribution strategy. Transitioning away from pay-per-view to an exclusive broadcast and streaming partnership may broaden audience reach and drive subscription growth for Paramount+, while providing CBS with consistent high-profile sports content.

Paramount’s newly appointed CEO, David Ellison, positioned the deal as central to the company’s post-merger content strategy.

“Live sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy – driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty,” Ellison said.

Broader Political and Cultural Context

The agreement also opens the door for unique promotional opportunities, including a planned UFC event at the White House in July 2026, part of celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary.

he proposed event, reportedly supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, underscores the sport’s integration into mainstream cultural and political spaces.

Impact on ESPN and WWE Rights

While ESPN will lose UFC rights in 2026, it will shift to professional wrestling under a new five-year deal to become the exclusive U.S. home for World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) flagship events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble.

Previously held by NBCUniversal’s Peacock, will feature on ESPN’s forthcoming streaming service, with potential simulcasts on its linear television channels.

The alignment of UFC and WWE under parent company TKO Sports provides both properties with centralised commercial oversight and negotiating leverage.

With UFC’s shift to Paramount and WWE’s move to ESPN, the combat sports broadcast landscape in the U.S. is set for its most significant shake-up in over a decade.

Lincoln City Foundation Rebrands as Lincoln City Sports College

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Courtney

Lincoln City Foundation has restructured its education operations and rebranded as Lincoln City Sports College, aiming to become a leading provider of sports education and career development in the region.

The rebrand forms part of the Foundation’s long-term strategy to grow its presence in the education market and strengthen pathways between sport, higher education, and employment. The new identity will take effect ahead of the 2025–26 academic year, with all courses delivered from the LNER Stadium.

Strengthening Community and Education Impact

Chief Executive Martin Hickerton said the change represents more than a name update.“This name change signifies more than just branding; it demonstrates our ambition and dedication to the Lincoln community and beyond,” said Hickerton.

Head of Education and Employability Nikki Barker added that the identity better reflects the College’s standards and student outcomes:“We take pride in fostering an environment where young people can flourish through sport and learning.”

Expanding Course Offerings

The College currently enrols more than 40 post-16 students on full-time programmes. Enrolments have grown year-on-year, pointing to increased demand for vocational and degree-level sports education.

For the next academic year, new offerings will include a BTEC Level 2 qualification and an MA in Sports Leadership, joining existing degrees such as:

BA (Hons) Sports Business and Management
BSc (Hons) Community Football Coaching and Administration
BSc (Hons) Sports and Coaching Development

Strong Academic Outcomes

Last year’s results show strong student progression:

93% moved into further education, employment, or training
70% advanced to university-level study, including the Foundation’s own degree programmes
The BTEC programme achieved a 100% pass rate
All degree-level students achieved at least a 2:2, with 40% earning first-class honours

Applied Learning at the Core

The College places significant emphasis on combining academic learning with practical experience. Last year, students completed over 1,000 hours of applied learning through match-day operations, volunteering, and community sport initiatives.

With its rebrand and expanded curriculum, Lincoln City Sports College aims to consolidate its role as a regional hub for sport-linked education and professional development.

Snoop Dogg to Headline Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment at 2025 AFL Grand Final

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Courtney

The AFL has confirmed that American rapper and entertainment figure Snoop Dogg will headline the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment at the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

This will mark Snoop Dogg’s first live performance at the MCG, adding a major international act to the league’s entertainment line-up. The booking continues the AFL’s strategy of securing globally recognised artists for Grand Final Day, following previous performances by Katy Perry, Robbie Williams, and The Killers.

A Full-Day Entertainment Strategy

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon said the league wants Grand Final Day to be “an unforgettable celebration of footy, and beyond the four quarters of the match, a celebration of culture, energy, and entertainment. Snoop fits that brief better than anyone.”

The pre-game show, now in its fifth consecutive year under Telstra’s naming rights sponsorship, reflects the AFL’s long-standing commitment to enhancing the event for both live attendees and broadcast audiences.

Telstra Executive Brent Smart said the company’s involvement focuses on delivering an “unforgettable experience for fans”, noting that Snoop Dogg’s global profile aligns with that objective.

Commercial and Broadcast Impact

From a commercial perspective, international acts of this calibre help the AFL:

Broaden reach into global markets
Increase media value
Strengthen sponsorship activation opportunities

The presence of a cross-generational artist could also lift television ratings during the pre-match slot — a time window of growing value to broadcasters.

Artist Reaction and Next Steps

Snoop Dogg described the Grand Final as “one of the biggest events on the Aussie calendar” and said he was honoured to be part of it, promising to “bring the energy” to a live crowd of more than 100,000 at the MCG.

Further announcements regarding the full entertainment line-up are expected in the coming months.

Hockey Australia and The Pass Join Forces to Amp Game-day Experience

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Courtney

Hockey Australia has entered into a multi-year agreement with The Pass, a growing hospitality loyalty program, in a deal aimed at enhancing the off-field experience for registered members.

Under the arrangement, which designates The Pass as Hockey Australia’s Official Hospitality Partner until July 2026, members will gain access to offers across more than 200 bars, restaurants, pubs, and event venues nationwide.

The partnership extends the governing body’s membership value proposition while creating a new channel for community engagement beyond the playing field.

Expressing the move as a step towards reinforcing the sports social fabrics, CEO of Hockey Australia, David Pryles, said: “This is fantastic news for hockey players of all ages across the country and a great addition to our membership offering.”

“From a five-year-old starting through our Hookin2Hockey program to an 80-year-old enjoying the game in Masters, hockey is about connection, community and lifelong participation,” Pryles said.

The deal provides The Pass with direct access to Hockey Australia’s membership base, positioning its network of venues as hubs for player and supporter gatherings.

The Pass CXO, Marianne Mewett, said the company was focused on supporting both grassroots and professional sport, adding: “We are excited for our local pubs to be the official hospitality home for Hockey Australia and all its members in the 2025/26 season, creating a space for all to socialise, debrief and celebrate together.”

The offer includes a AUD10 dollars welcome credit upon downloading and placing a first order via The Pass app, a 10% discount on food and beverages at participating venues, and additional incentives such as birthday credits, loyalty rewards, and member-exclusive specials.

The Pass, which has been steadily expanding its venue network, gains a foothold in the sports sector through the deal, reinforcing the crossover between hospitality and sporting communities.

Members can redeem benefits by downloading The Pass app, linking their Hockey Australia membership, and accessing offers in their local area.

Bayern Munich Refocus Rwanda Partnership Away from Sponsorship Amid Sportswashing Criticism

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Courtney

Bayern Munich has restructured its agreement with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), reducing the prominence of the ‘Visit Rwanda’ tourism campaign and shifting the focus to football development.

The original five-year deal, signed in 2023 and valued at around €5 million (AUD 8.1 million) annually, featured stadium branding at the Allianz Arena and global tourism promotion.

In recent months, the partnership faced political scrutiny following allegations of Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In February, the DRC’s foreign minister urged Bayern to reconsider the arrangement.

Bayern Munich Reputational Considerations

Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said he sent representatives to Rwanda to assess the political context before making changes. The new three-year agreement, running through to 2028, centres on expanding the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali and delivering football and social development programmes.

“In constructive talks about our future direction, we agreed that the developmental nature of our work in Kigali was a special part of our relationship with the RDB,” Dreesen said.

“We are transforming our commercial partnership into a talent programme, expanding the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali as a dual football and social initiative. This remains perfectly aligned to our strategic objective of developing playing talent in Africa.”

The changes reduce traditional sponsorship activation in favour of grassroots engagement. While this may lower Bayern’s commercial returns, it also helps mitigate reputational risks. The ‘Visit Rwanda’ brand has already disappeared from the club’s official website, though Bayern has not confirmed its removal from other assets.

RDB Refocuses on Sports Infrastructure

RDB CEO Jean-Guy Afrika described the change as an evolution in strategic priorities.

“As we enter a new phase, we are refocusing resources to accelerate sports development, with an emphasis on talent identification, coaching excellence, and sports infrastructure,” Afrika said.

RDB continues to hold other high-profile football sponsorships, including sleeve branding with Arsenal, a long-term partnership with Paris Saint-Germain renewed earlier this year, and a three-year deal with Atletico Madrid.

Tasmania to Phase Out Greyhound Racing by 2029

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Courtney

Tasmania is set to phase out Greyhound Racing from 30 June 2029, in a move that comes just three weeks after Premier Jeremy Rockliff pledged support for the industry’s “longevity and sustainability”.

The decision aligns with the expiry of the sport’s funding agreement. It also follows a state election that left Rockliff’s Liberal government without a parliamentary majority. Industry observers believe the phase-out is part of negotiations to secure crossbench support and avoid a no-confidence motion.

Economic and Industry Impact

Greyhound racing contributes AUD 208 million to Tasmania’s economy each year. More than 6,400 people are involved across the state’s three racing codes. The government’s decision gives the industry five years to wind down operations.

On 17 July, Rockliff wrote a letter to the Northwest Greyhound Club stating his commitment to the industry’s sustainability and that he was already working on a new funding deed to provide certainty. The swift policy reversal has drawn criticism. Greyhounds Australasia urged the government to reconsider, saying the closure ignores recent gains in safety and welfare standards.

Transition and Future Opportunities

Tasracing, the state-owned racing authority, will work with participants from greyhound, harness, and thoroughbred racing. A parliamentary committee will oversee the transition and provide support for affected people.

With thoroughbred and harness racing unaffected, stakeholders are watching to see if the decision signals future reviews of other publicly supported racing codes.

The phase-out could leave gaps in Tasmania’s sporting and entertainment calendar. This shift may create opportunities for alternative events or industries to step in as greyhound racing winds down.

Hawthorn Hawks to Host Inclusion Match in Round 23, Made Possible by Variety

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Courtney

Hawthorn Hawks Football Club is set to host its 2025 Inclusion Match this Saturday afternoon as they take on Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Partnering with Variety – the Children’s Charity, the event is made possible, which will also extend its support for the Hawks’ Inclusion Match over the next three years.

Earlier this year, Hawthorn Hawks and Variety collaborated to advocate for inclusion within the AFL, emphasising the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all fans to enjoy the game.

As part of the Inclusion Match festivities, a group of junior mascots will join their Hawthorn heroes in running through the banner prior to the match, fostering a sense of community and engagement.

Off the field, Hawthorn will provide a first-class game-day sensory space, operated under the auspices of ‘The Inclusion Project.’ This initiative aims to ensure that all attendees, particularly those with sensory sensitivities, can enjoy the event comfortably. The sensory space will be located at the Australian Sports Museum, conveniently situated just inside Gate 3 in the Olympic Stand.

For accessibility, an entrance will be available at Gate 3B, ensuring that all fans can partake in the match experience.

In a further show of support for this important initiative, Hawthorn’s AFL players will don red Variety socks during a training session this week, lending visibility to the special round and reinforcing their commitment to inclusion in the sport.

Zenn Ability commits to supporting Panthers Foundation

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Courtney

Zenn Ability has renewed its partnership with the Panthers Foundation for another two years, extending its support for the organisation’s Participation pillar.

The agreement will see Zenn Ability continue funding and collaborating on initiatives designed to increase and diversify participation in rugby league, with a focus on dismantling barriers faced by underrepresented groups.

Target audiences include people with disability, females, Indigenous and multicultural communities, and individuals from remote or regional areas.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Zenn Ability CEO, Laurie Slade, noted: “Our shared commitment to creating accessible opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in rugby league aligns perfectly with our mission.”

“Through this collaboration, we look forward to breaking down barriers and providing meaningful participation opportunities for all members of our community, helping them achieve their fullest potential,” Slade said.

Emphasising the practical value of the partnership, Panthers Foundation Chairman, Peter Graham, said: “Their commitment to the active support of people with a disability in our community is an inspiration to us.”

“We are delighted to join with them in our Foundation promoting a greater number of opportunities for people with a disability to participate in our great game,” Graham expressed.

For the Panthers Foundation, the renewal secures ongoing financial and operational backing for outreach programs across Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and the Central West.

These programs are part of the club’s broader community engagement and social inclusion strategy, which also holds value for the Panthers’ brand positioning and relationships with sponsors seeking measurable community impact.

Key initiatives under the partnership will include sponsorship of the Play Like a Panther Disability Clinics in Penrith, Bathurst, and Mudgee, and support for the Panthers Foundation’s Christmas in July event in 2025.

While the clinics serve a clear community purpose, they also function as entry points to the sport for new participants, which can have longer-term benefits for the game’s participation base.

TAFE Queensland Launches New Diploma in Project Management

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Courtney

TAFE Queensland will launch a specialised project management qualification in October 2025, aimed at professionals seeking careers in the sports industry.

The nationally recognised course is designed to meet the growing operational demands of sport, covering areas such as game-day delivery, sponsorship activations, community programmes, and high-performance operations.

The initiative reflects the increasing need for structured planning and execution in a sector where commercial outcomes are closely linked to operational performance.

Flexible, Practical, and Industry-Led

The 22-week program will be delivered entirely online in evening sessions, with weekend workshops at Queensland Cricket’s Allan Border Field headquarters.

This format targets working professionals, athletes, and those seeking career changes, offering flexibility while maintaining applied industry engagement. Participants will work on authentic briefs from the Brisbane Heat, exploring operational challenges in fan engagement, crisis management, and event delivery.

TAFE Queensland Manager of the Academy of Sport Partnerships, Don Harley, noted that the course provides “unmatched access to one of Australia’s most dynamic sporting entities” and will prepare graduates for roles not only in sport, but across the wider events and business sectors.

Pathways and Market Impact

The program represents a structured pathway into sports operations and event delivery at a time when professional clubs and leagues are increasingly seeking talent with both technical and industry-specific expertise.

For rights holders and event organisers, the availability of trained project managers offers potential gains in efficiency, risk management, and sponsor satisfaction.

The course is subsidised for eligible students under Queensland Government initiatives, potentially lowering the barrier for entry into a specialised career pathway.

Graduates will acquire skills in scope, time, and cost management, alongside stakeholder engagement and leadership, competencies that align with the operational needs of major sporting events and the commercial priorities of the organisations behind them.