Games On! Funding boost delivers $540,000 win for Palmwoods Warriors

Marty Hunt and Tim Mander, second and third from left, with officials from Palmwoods Warriors Football Club.

Palmwoods Warriors are set for a significant upgrade after securing $540,000 through the first round of the Crisafulli Government’s Games On! program, funding that local leaders say will directly support the club’s growing membership and grassroots football in the district.

The funding announcement was made during a recent visit to the club by Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander, alongside local MP Marty Hunt.

“This funding is a game changer for this local club, it allows them to upgrade their lighting facilities, upgrade their fields and infrastructure for the local community as this club grows,” Mr Hunt said.

“They have a great reputation locally for training and coaching young kids, a great volunteer base and I’m proud to be part of the Crisafulli Government that is delivering these local infrastructure projects for sporting clubs in our local area.

“Football is growing stronger particularly with women and girls, their membership in that area is growing fast with the success of the Matildas and we want to support that and provide them with the infrastructure that they need – we want to support that participation.”

Palmwoods Warriors currently have 360 local members, a figure that continues to rise as interest in football grows across the hinterland. The funding will support upgrades to lighting, fields and club infrastructure, improving training and playing conditions for players of all ages.

Club president Adam Mathieson said the investment would have lasting benefits for both current players and future generations.

“This (financial) injection and support they have put into our club here in Palmwoods - the $540,000 is very welcome,” Mr Mathieson said.

“It’s going to see grassroots football really take off and it gives the kids the infrastructure and faciltities they need to continue through – it gives them a pathway right through to senior football.

“It’s a legacy product, you have infratructure here that is going to last decades, you’ve got sports facilities for kids from under-5s right through to 45s.

“On the back of the Matilda’s success over the years and now with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon we are seeing a lot more participation… Our membership base is starting to skyrocket.”

Registrations of Interest are now open for the second round of Games On! funding, with eligible local sporting organisations invited to apply. For more information, clubs can contact their local Sport and Recreation office or visit www.qld.gov.au/gameson.