Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
“When all blocks are in place, there will be a sense of protection for the fields from intruders,” says Club President Peter Knapton. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
The Burdekin community has rallied behind the Burdekin Touch Football Association, rapidly backing a new "Sponsor-a-Block" initiative to protect local sporting grounds following devastating damage last month.
The fundraiser allows local businesses and residents to sponsor heavy concrete barriers recently placed around the Wickham Street complex, each block stencilled with the sponsor's name to serve as a permanent wall of advertising and security.
A total of 60 blocks have already been sponsored as of 28 May, raising vital funds to secure what are regarded as some of the best in North Queensland.
The immediate response from local businesses, families, individuals, and teams follows an incident where vandals tore through the complex, leaving four fields with considerable damage and forcing a four-week halt to all men’s, women’s, and junior competitions.
Club President Peter Knapton said the widespread support highlighted local outrage over the vandalism.
"The community is obviously sick of mindless damage and the obvious lack of respect for other people’s property by a small minority,” Mr Knapton said.
“When all blocks are in place, there will be a sense of protection for the fields from intruders.”
The committee launched the initiative after discovering that standard rock barriers used by other councils were too expensive. While Ergon Energy initially offered used power poles, the club ultimately sourced the cement blocks from BQC Quarries to create a vehicle-proof barrier.
The project, which carries a total cost of $10,000, is being funded through a combination of the block sponsorships and club funds. 56 blocks have been positioned at the complex so far, with a further 135 blocks still available for sponsorship.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a block is encouraged to text Peter on 0427710500.
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