Women and girls, grassroots sporting organisations and emerging elite athletes across Far North Queensland will benefit from a $347,615 Queensland Government investment to modernise sporting infrastructure at AFL Cairns headquarters and Cazalys Stadium.
AFL Cairns has welcomed the funding through the Queensland Government’s Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program, which will support the transformation of an ageing amenities block into a modern, inclusive and accessible multi-use facility.
The project will deliver private, gender-appropriate changerooms, individual shower facilities, accessible amenities and two integrated ice bath recovery stations, complementing the existing gymnasium and athlete development facilities.
The Queensland Government will contribute $347,615 towards the $437,615 project, with AFL Cairns investing an additional $90,000.
AFL Cairns General Manager Craig Lees said the investment represented an important milestone for sport in Far North Queensland.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Queensland Government for this significant investment, which will deliver lasting benefits for our sporting community,” Mr Lees said.
Breaking down barriers for women and girls
A major focus of the project is improving access for women and girls who currently face limitations accessing appropriate amenities alongside the gymnasium and training facilities.
The existing amenities were designed primarily for male participants and lack the privacy and flexibility required to accommodate today’s diverse sporting community.
The redevelopment will provide private, gender-appropriate facilities that allow women, girls and mixed-gender groups to access the precinct more comfortably and independently.
“We’ve experienced tremendous growth in women’s and girls’ football, and our infrastructure needs to evolve alongside that growth,” Mr Lees said.
“Female athletes shouldn’t have to walk to another part of the stadium to access appropriate amenities when they’re training alongside their male counterparts.
“This project directly addresses that issue and provides a more inclusive environment for everyone.”
Supporting grassroots sport and elite development pathways
The AFL Cairns headquarters and Cazalys Stadium precinct support an extensive range of sporting organisations, development programs and community users.
These include AFL Cairns, the AFL Cairns Umpires Association, Cairns Lions, AFL Cape York, Northern Nest Graduate Program, The Female Co., Queensland Firebirds programs, Cricket Queensland and Cricket Australia.
The precinct also supports elite athlete development through organisations including the Gold Coast Suns Academy and Hawthorn Football Club AFLW, connecting grassroots participation with higher-level talent pathways.
“From young children experiencing football for the first time through to athletes representing elite sporting organisations, we have an incredible cross-section of users accessing our facilities,” Mr Lees said.
“Programs such as the Gold Coast Suns Academy are particularly important in creating opportunities for talented young footballers across Far North Queensland.
“By improving the facilities available to these programs, we’re strengthening the environment in which our next generation of athletes can develop.”
The project was supported by 13 independent stakeholder letters, demonstrating the broad community need for improved facilities.
Strengthening AFL Cairns headquarters and community partnerships
Beyond sporting participation, the redevelopment will improve the functionality of the AFL Cairns headquarters for organisations, tenants, community partners and sporting programs operating within the precinct.
The upgraded amenities will complement existing gymnasium, seminar, training and cricket facilities, enabling more efficient shared use by multiple organisations.
The improvements will also create opportunities to accommodate additional programs and users, including Cairns Dolphins, Far North Cricket and the Queensland Institute of Sport.
High performance, recovery and wellbeing
The redevelopment will introduce two integrated ice bath recovery stations, creating additional opportunities for athlete recovery, wellness and high-performance development.
These facilities will provide benefits for community participants and emerging athletes, particularly given Far North Queensland’s tropical training conditions.
“High performance isn’t just about elite athletes,” Mr Lees said.
“It’s about providing young people with the right facilities, environment and opportunities to develop healthy habits, build confidence and achieve their potential.
“We want athletes in Far North Queensland to have access to quality facilities, whether they’re just beginning their sporting journey or progressing towards the highest levels of competition.”
A lasting investment in regional sport
The project is expected to expand participation opportunities across multiple sports and age groups, with AFL Cairns forecasting increased facility usage following completion.
Mr Lees acknowledged the Queensland Government’s support and thanked Minister for Sport Tim Mander, Member for Barron River Bree James and Member for Mulgrave Terry James for their attendance and support of regional sport.
“We sincerely thank the Queensland Government, Minister Mander, Bree James and Terry James for recognising the importance of continued investment in sporting infrastructure across Far North Queensland.
“This project will deliver lasting benefits for the organisations that call Cazalys Stadium home and the many young people who will access these facilities for years to come.
“It’s another important step in our commitment to leaving the game in a better place by uniting and inspiring our local community.”
