Ben Hannant Teams up with the North Queensland Sports Foundation for the 33rd North Queensland Sportstar Awards Gala
The North Queensland Sports Foundation (NQSF) is gearing up for the 33rd annual North Queensland Sportstar Awards Gala, set to take place on October 26, 2024, hosted by Mount Isa City Council. This prestigious event will honour the remarkable achievements of regional athletes across a variety of categories, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication that North Queensland has to offer.
With a rich history dating back to 1990, the Sportstar Awards have established themselves as a cornerstone of the region’s sporting community. We have a range of exciting finalists attending the awards including Olympic medallists and other known sporting legends!
Award Categories Include:
- NQ Sportstar of the Year
- NQ Rural & Remote Sportstar of the Year
- NQ Junior Sportstar of the Year
- NQ Masters Sportstar of the Year
- NQ Athlete with a Disability Sportstar of the Year
- NQ Sportstar Team of the Year
- NQ Service to Sport Sportstar of the Year
- NQ Sporting Excellence Award
This year, NQSF is excited to announce their keynote speaker to be Ben Hannant also known by the “Polar Bear”. Ben will be sharing on how he succeeded throughout his career, including playing 245 NRL games, 12 State of Origins and winning 2 premierships!
Tickets are priced at $90 per person, which includes a complimentary drink on arrival, a pre-dinner celebration with a deluxe grazing board, a two-course gala dinner, live entertainment from a local band, and the much-anticipated awards ceremony.
NQSF CEO Stephen Farrell expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating,
“The Sportstar Awards Gala is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our local sporting heroes and bring the community together. This year’s partnerships with local businesses not only enhance the gala experience but also contribute to the ongoing support of our regional economy.”
The North Queensland Sportstar Awards are not just about recognizing excellence; they also play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of athletes. Cr Rhonda Coghlan, Chair of the NQSF, emphasized the importance of grassroots sports, noting, “Events like the Sportstar Awards highlight the pathways for our young athletes, encouraging them to dream big and strive for greatness.”
Mayor Peta MacRae, shares her excitement for the event:
“We are looking forward to the Sportstar Awards. It’s an exciting opportunity being the first time it’s been held in our city – this is something I have been lobbying for. It’ll bring a lot of visitors to town to help us celebrate sport. Mount Isa’s got a rich and varied sporting history, and it’ll be a great way for us to celebrate that. We have people who travel from Mount Isa each year for the awards, so it’s good for them this year. They’re very excited and celebrating it in their own hometown.”
Adding to the excitement, this year’s gala will feature exclusive accommodation and tourism discounts in partnership with local businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy discounts and offers that highlight the best Mount Isa has to offer, encouraging support for our vibrant local economy. These packages are designed to enhance the experience of all attendees.
Sports enthusiasts, families, and supporters are encouraged to secure their tickets early to avoid disappointment. Tickets and discounts are available through the official website. www.nqsports.com.au
For media inquiries, please contact:
Stephen Farrell
CEO
North Queensland Sports Foundation
ceo@nqsports.com.au
