AFL Queensland is the latest tenant to take up residence in the Ipswich Sports House, joining local sports administrators and the Australian Sports Commission in the city’s growing sporting hub.
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said that this move would give a big boost to AFL in the community and continue to cement the city’s reputation for sporting excellence.
“Sport is about the players, the fans and the teams and bodies like the AFL play a huge role in firing up local residents to get involved in the game,” Cr Pisasale said.
“The decision taken by AFL Queensland to base staff in Ipswich permanently means that they recognise the huge growth in popularity of this code and are committed to seeing this continue over the long term.
“Each weekend more and more young people are out on Ipswich fields playing AFL.
“With this new office, AFL Queensland are in a great position to drive this growth long into the future.
“Council works hard to get more residents more active more often and AFL is a great way to keep active and have fun.”
Parks, Sport and Recreation Committee chairperson Councillor David Morrison said that this move was a real coup for Ipswich Sports House.
“Ipswich Sports House was established to bring the city’s sporting administers together with the sporting industry in one central location to guide and develop the growth of sports in Ipswich and to encourage increased physical activity in the community,” Cr Morrison said.
“Both AFL Queensland and the Australian Sports Commission are hugely influential organisations within Australian organised sport.
“Their decision to locate themselves at the Ipswich Sports House is proof that this model is absolutely working and is getting results for the community.”
AFL Queensland CEO Michael Conlan predicts a bright future for AFL in Ipswich.
“Australian football was one of the first codes played in Ipswich in the late 1800s and we are thrilled that our partnership with Sports House has provided the opportunity for an AFL Queensland office dedicated to the region,” Conlan said.
“We will have two permanent and five casual development officers based at our Sports House office.
“They will be working closely with local clubs and council to grow the game and strengthen our clubs. We are excited to be part of the growth of Ipswich and the Western Corridor.”
