After a successful bid from the Townsville North Queensland Bid Fund and Townsville City Council, Townsville has been announced as the host of the 2019 National AFL Masters Carnival.
Announced at the conclusion of the 2018 Masters Carnival in Coffs Harbour on Saturday evening, Townsville will host next year’s carnival from 29 September to 5 October 2019.
After first commencing in 1980, the game of AFL Masters Australian Football provides the opportunity for players 30 years and over to participate in AFL. The sport is governed by AFL Masters and its eight member State Associations and is now played by over 200 teams throughout Australia.
President of AFL Masters, Steve Eurell is looking forward to bringing the Carnival to Townsville.
“Both Townsville Enterprise and Townsville City Council put in a very strong bid for the 2019 event and we’re excited to bring the carnival to Townsville next year,” said Mr Eurell.
“Townsville has world-class sporting facilities and great capacity to successfully host large sporting events like the AFL Masters.
“We have no doubt that the city will roll out the welcome mat for all our competitors when they arrive this time next year.”
Acting Mayor Les Walker said securing the 2019 AFL Masters Carnival would provide a major economic boost to Townsville.
“There will be more than 2500 people flocking to Townsville to take part in the event and that means more spending in our hotels, restaurants and shops,” Cr Walker said.
“There will be athletes from across the country coming to Townsville for this event and it’s a great chance to showcase our city.
“Council fights to secure these major events for Townsville because they help boost business and create jobs for locals.”
Cr Walker said Riverway Stadium was arguably the best oval ground in regional Australia.
“Council invests a significant amount to maintain Riverway Stadium to top standard and it continues to pay off,” Cr Walker said.
Continuing its support of local events, Townsville Enterprise is proud to provide funding assistance to secure the carnival in Townsville.
“Townsville Enterprise is thrilled to assist in bringing the 2019 AFL Masters Carnival to Townsville through funding supplied by the Townsville North Queensland Bid Fund,” said Townsville Enterprise CEO, Patricia O’Callaghan.
“It’s anticipated that the seven-day event will inject an estimated $4.5 million into the Townsville North Queensland economy, generated by the projected 2500 event attendees.
“The carnival provides Townsville the opportunity to showcase its outstanding sporting facilities, as well as our extensive dining, shopping and tourism experiences on offer to competitors and their family and friends.”
