Council will continue it’s long and successful partnership with 2023 WNBL champions the JCU Townsville Fire after approving a three-year funding agreement at this week’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
The JCU Townsville Fire is the most successful professional sporting team in Northern Australia, with last season’s thrilling run to a fourth WNBL title amassing record home crowds as Townsville rallied behind the team.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said Council was proud to remain partners with the JCU Townsville Fire and assist them in the great work they do on and off the court for the local community.
“The JCU Townsville Fire have a community-based ownership structure and have consistently led the Northern Australian athletic community in terms of sporting excellence,” Cr Hill said.
“The team secured its fourth Championship in 2023, a testament to their sustained dominance, but they also do great work in the community with their junior programs and work inspiring the next generation of athletes.
“Moving home games to the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre has also been a huge win for the club, their average attendance last year was the best in the league and they had a 63 per cent increase on the previous season.
“The JCU Townsville Fire are a team our community can really be proud of, and Council is excited to remain teammates with this fantastic club.
“Council also remains committed to keeping Townsville a sustainable destination that embraces and participates in the arts, sports, events and recreational activities.”
JCU Townsville Fire GM Sam Pascoe thanked Council for their ongoing support of the club and said everyone at the Fire had worked hard in the off-season as they look to go back-to-back as WNBL champions.
“This support from Council is crucial to the success and sustainability of our club and it’s wonderful to have the backing of our local Council,” she said.
“Our club really has gone from strength to strength in recent years and Council’s support has helped us remain competitive in one of the toughest leagues in the world.
“Our coach Shannon Seebohm has recently re-committed to the club for another three years and we’ve put together a stellar roster to defend our WNBL championship this season.
“Our team’s connection with the community is a real source of pride for us, and the team serves as strong role models for young female and male basketballers in the region.”
Council’s multi-year funding agreement is for $188,000 cash (excl. GST) per annum and in-kind support of $53,000 (excl. GST) per annum.
The in-kind support includes marketing support through screens and stadium signage and venue hire of the Council-owned Townsville Stadium, for team training on the courts and the office spaces upstairs.
The JCU Townsville Fire will begin pre-season training on 10 September, with the team arriving in Townsville from 1 September.
Their title defence gets underway on the road against the Bendigo Spirit on 4 November.
Fans are encouraged to secure their season tickets and become a part of the Fire family by visiting their website.
