Inaugural Test Match at Australia's leading regional cricket destination draws huge support
The development of Australia's best regional sports destination experience in Mackay, Queensland is a vital project for the visitor economy and inspiring participation in Central Queensland. SMC Strategies has been responsible for leading branding, strategic communications, advocacy and investment partnership.
Great Barrier Reef Arena has drawn supporters from all over the nation to attend the recent Men's Test Match between Australia and Bangladesh. Capacity crowds enjoyed perfect weather and facilities while delivering a huge boost to the regional economy.
GBRA General Manager Adrian Young said that a week on from Mackay’s first Men’s Test Match, the significance of what was achieved is probably only just starting to sink in..
"A Sold Out test. Mackay broadcast around Australia and the world. And a venue that proved it belongs on the international stage.
Perhaps the most important legacy won’t be measured in crowds, ratings or broadcast reach. It will be the local kids who watched Test cricket in their own backyard, saw their heroes up close and went home wanting to pick up a bat or a ball.
Great Barrier Reef Arena has shown that young players from Mackay and regional Queensland can grow up training and playing at the same venue that hosts the best players in the world. The pathway ahead is incredibly exciting.
More opportunities for our juniors. More international cricket. Continued investment in our facilities. And the ambition for Mackay to play a role on the Olympic stage in 2032.
The Test was a milestone, Young said. "The real legacy will be what it inspires next."
Stage 2 includes a regional indoor sports headquarters for participants in a multiplicity of sports at all levels from entry to elite.
SMC Strategies worked in close collaboration with venue managers Harrup Park Country Club to successfully achieve Federal and State Government support for Stage 1 of the $25 million project.
The Queensland Government has now committed $23.5 million to Stage 2, which will create a major Community Indoor Sports Centre, with capacity for a range of sports including basketball, netball and all abilities sports such as wheelchair rugby. The Stage 2 project, which includes athlete accommodation, will also support training and events for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
SMC also created the new name for the venue, Great Barrier Reef Arena, drawing on Mackay's intimate proximity to Australia's greatest natural wonder and the Whitsundays to develop a brand identity that will deliver sustained visitor economy benefit to the region.
SMC continues to work with the Club to realise plans for Stage 2 of the precinct.
Key Roles
Advisory
Storytelling
Advocacy
Investment
Community
Comments