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New partnership to boost sporting events in Bundaberg

December 9, 2025 8:17 am in by
Image: GettyImages SBenitez

A three-year agreement between Sports Marketing Australia and Bundaberg Regional Council will boost our regions capacity to attract major sporting events.

A new partnership was approved last week at councils Ordinary Meeting.

It’s hoped the new relationship will attract a broad range of national and state-level events, high-performance training camps, conferences and festivals.

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Mayor Helen Blackburn says it positions Bundaberg to take advantage of growing national and international interest in regional event destinations.

“Bundaberg has the facilities, the talent and the community spirit to support more high-profile events.

“This partnership will help us bring new opportunities to the region and strengthen our local economy.”

Sports Marketing Australia (SMA), has partnered with 64 Local Government Areas and tourism organisations across Australia and New Zealand.

SMA Director Jason Sleeman says the agreement will provide meaningful benefits for the Bundaberg Region.

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“Engaging SMA to assist with event attraction will mean more events in the calendar that will benefit businesses and the general community of Bundaberg.

“The region’s strategic location, high quality facilities, proven track record hosting major events, good range and number of accommodation options, tourism attractions and within driving distance from key population centres of Brisbane and Sunshine Coast is what makes it such a great destination for hosting highlevel events and training opportunities.”

Sleeman has also noted the opportunity ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

“SMA is seeing an increase in event owners who are wanting to hold events in Queensland leading into Brisbane 2032.

“There will be an opportunity between now and 2032 for regions such as Bundaberg to host more state and national events that are unable to be accommodated in these regions.

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“SMA has also recently seen a dramatic increase in the number of international high performance training camps… we see this as a huge opportunity for regions such as Bundaberg that are a short drive or flight away from Brisbane to host international sporting teams and groups in the region and capitalise on the Olympic spirit and legacy outcomes that the Games will bring.”

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