Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has today announced Queensland’s volunteer firefighters and SES personnel will be offered up to four free tickets to this weekend’s NRL All Stars match on the Gold Coast.
Ms Jones said up to 5000 free tickets would be offered to thank hard working volunteers for all that they do for the community.
“Queensland felt the full force of the bushfire season, with a ‘state of fire emergency’ declared last November,” Ms Jones said.
“It’s now time to thank all those volunteers who put their lives on hold to protect the community.”
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said today’s announcement was a great way to honour volunteers for their hard work keeping Queenslanders safe.
“The All Stars matches between both the women’s and men’s Australian Indigenous and New Zealand Maori teams are one of the showpiece events on the NRL’s calendar and are about celebrating our culture and our similarities,” he said.
“Firies and SES volunteers deserve a chance to relax with family and friends and enjoy a sporting and cultural spectacle, and thanks to the strong relationship between the Queensland Government and the NRL, we’re pleased to be able to extend this offer as a sign of our thanks.”
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones encouraged firies and SES volunteers to make a weekend of the All Stars clash and enjoy a small break on the Gold Coast.
“This is a great chance for volunteers to take a break and spend some time on the Gold Coast with their families,” she said.
The clash on the weekend is tipped to generate more than 20,000 visitor nights and $4 million for local businesses.
Ms Jones said the All Stars match concept had originally launched on the Gold Coast in 2010.
“This event has grown to become an important part of the NRL’s calendar, having evolved to this year being a celebration of Australian Indigenous and New Zealand Maori culture,” she said
“This event is part of a rich calendar of Indigenous celebrations across Queensland where visitors can experience the unique blend of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures at events like the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival, Quandamooka Festival, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and the Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival this year.
“When it comes to major events, the Palaszczuk Government has the runs on the board. We’ve more than doubled the value of Queensland’s major events calendar – this year tipped to generate $880 million.
“We expect the NRL All Stars games could generate more than 20,000 visitor nights and $4 million for the Gold Coast’s tourism economy – support we know this region really needs right now.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate encouraged fans to attend.
“These matches are a wonderful opportunity to support the Gold Coast’s tourism economy at a time when we really need it,” he said.
“I encourage people from Brisbane to make a weekend away of it, and for Gold Coasters to invite family and friends to travel to the coast for the weekend to embrace traditional culture and enjoy a holiday break.”
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said the All Stars was one of the most significant events on the NRL’s calendar and will showcase some of the best players in the game.
“We’re looking forward to the very best male and female players of both Indigenous Australian and Maori heritage engaging, educating and entertaining those on the Gold Coast during event week.”
“We encourage fans to buy tickets and celebrate an exciting clash of cultures on February 22.”
Tickets are available for purchase at tickets.nrl.com
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