Category: Club News

General Club News

Support the Northern Beaches SUNS in the 2025 Toyota Good for Footy Raffle!

The Northern Beaches SUNS AFL Club is thrilled to participate in the 2025 Toyota Good for Footy Raffle! This is your chance to win incredible prizes—including three brand new Toyotas—while directly supporting our club’s growth and recovery.

Thanks to your support in previous years, we’ve successfully installed new lights at our home ground. However, we still aim to upgrade our scoreboard and recover from a recent clubhouse break-in. Every ticket purchased brings us closer to these goals.

🚗 Amazing Prizes Await!

With a total prize pool valued at over $289,000, this year’s raffle offers:​

  • Three Toyota vehicles, including the 2025 Toyota RAV4.​
  • Exclusive AFL experiences, such as tickets to the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final.​
  • Coaching clinics with AFL stars and head coaches.​
  • Signed memorabilia from AFL captains and the 2023 Premiership team.​
  • Gift cards from Rebel, AFL Store, and JB Hi-Fi.​

💯 Why Your Support Matters

  • 100% of ticket sales go directly to the Northern Beaches SUNS, aiding in:
    • Upgrading our outdated scoreboard.​
    • Recovering from the recent clubhouse break-in.​
    • Enhancing facilities for players, volunteers, and supporters.​
  • Easy Participation: Purchase tickets online in just a few clicks.​

📣 Spread the Word

Even if you can’t purchase a ticket, you can still help:

  • Share our raffle link on social media.
  • Encourage friends, family, and coworkers to participate.
  • Assist on game days by promoting ticket sales.

Every action, big or small, makes a significant difference.


Let’s unite as a community, support the SUNS, and make 2025 a year to remember—both on and off the field.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Cam Fielding or Glenn Barling.

LETS GO SUNS! 2025 IS OUR YEAR TO SHINE! ☀️

Supporting Shane Sledger’s Fundraiser for Mental Health in Memory of Luke Berry

We are proud to support Shane Sledger as he takes on the Q1 Stair Challenge in memory of Luke Berry and to raise awareness for mental health.

Luke was a talented young graduate engineer at IPL, dedicating his skills to the Phosphate Hill and Moranbah sites. He took great pride in his work and had a promising future ahead. Tragically, in November 2022, Luke lost his life to mental illness. He was a clever, charismatic, and much-loved member of the community, and his absence is deeply felt by all who knew him.

Shane is stepping up to make a difference, climbing the Q1 building to raise funds and awareness for mental health. You can support his efforts by donating here: Shane Slegers in 2025 Skypoint Sea To Sky Q1 Stair Challenge

To learn more about the importance of mental health, please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzRelmt3wh4

For more information about the Q1 Stair Challenge, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGmTq7omx8s

Together, we can help break the stigma and raise awareness for mental health support.

New BBQ

Ausfield Services donates us a New BBQ!

The Team at Ausfield Services are passionate about supporting our local communities, in a tangible & meaningful manner.

They recently identified that the Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club were in desperate need of a new BBQ.

This week they got to see our new BBQ in action, pumping out snags while everyone trained.

We are proud sponsors of this club & are always more than happy to lend them a helping hand.

Here’s to a great AFL season!

AGM Banner 2024

Notice of Annual General Meeting & XMAS Breakup – 11am – Saturday 23rd November 2024

Our AGM will be at 11am on Saturday 23rd of November at The Green, Burdell.

All members are welcome and strongly encouraged to attend to have your say for 2025. This is your opportunity to contribute and have a voice in regards to the running and management of the club.

Any current financial members, Life Members or parents of financial junior members have voting rights. If you are unable to attend the meeting and would like to nominate a proxy to submit your votes. Proxy vote forms can be found on our website below and need to be returned via email to northernbeachessuns@gmail.com by 9th November 2024.

ALL current committee positions are vacated and open for election.

The Executive Committee positions that need to be filled at the AGM are:

President, Vice-President Senior, Vice-President Junior, Secretary & Treasurer.

Nomination forms for these roles can be found below and are to be received via email to northernbeachessuns@gmail.com no later than 2 November 2024. General Committee members are also required.

Remember many hands make light work.

This will be followed by Xmas Breakup BBQ Lunch and our Annual Bin Kick Competition. There may even be a visit from Santa at 2pm!

Links to the Documents:

Committee Nomination Form 2024

NB Suns Proxy Form 2024

Previous AGM Minutes 2023

Suns Reverse Raffle 2024

Join us for the Ultimate Reverse Raffle 2024 Extravaganza!

🏉 Calling all footy enthusiasts and supporters! Get ready for an unforgettable evening that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

The Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club is thrilled to present our upcoming Reverse Raffle, the most talked-about event of the season!

🎫 For just $120, you secure your chance to win big while supporting our beloved club. But wait, there’s more! Each ticket not only enters you into the thrilling reverse draw but also grants you and a friend exclusive access to our incredible event!

🍻 Get ready to enjoy a 3-hour Drinks Package, featuring a wide selection of beer, wine, discounted spirits, and soft drinks. Quench your thirst with your favourite beverages throughout the night! 🍺🍷🥤

🏆 The excitement doesn’t stop there! We’re thrilled to announce that our prize pool is a whopping $5000! That’s right, there’s a chance to win a share of this incredible sum while having a fantastic time.

🎊 With every ticket sold, you contribute directly to the growth and success of our club, ensuring we can continue to nurture the talents of our rising stars and provide an exceptional football experience for the entire community.

🎟️ Don’t miss your chance to join us for this electrifying event! Swing by our bar during our up and coming events or via the link to purchase your tickets online. Remember, the sooner you secure your spot, the higher the anticipation and the greater your chances of winning some truly amazing prizes!

Spread the word, rally your friends, and let’s make this Reverse Raffle a night to remember! Together, we can kick our fundraising efforts into overdrive and pave the way for an incredible season ahead. See you there, Suns fans!

To purchase a ticket: https://northernbeachessuns.com.au/reverse-raffle-2024/

Gary Continues as Head Coach for the Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club

We are thrilled to announce that Gary will continue as the head coach of the Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club for the upcoming season. With his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to developing our players and fostering a positive club culture, we are excited to have Gary steering the ship toward a successful 2025 season.

Gary brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our team, drawing from his 20 years of playing experience and his proven track record as a coach. Having made significant strides in the development of our men’s team at the end of the 2024 season, we look forward to Gary’s leadership in strengthening our club’s foundation and guiding us to new heights. His dedication to club community culture and his belief that “we get out what we put in” perfectly align with the values of the Northern Beaches Suns.


Gary’s Bio:

Gary played footy for 20 years, and has only recently retired due to injury and has since started coaching. His playing time extended from the Murray league in VIC/NSW, up to Townsville in 2010.

Gary returned to Townsville in 2014 where he played for Curra Swans before taking on the Head Senior Coaching role in 2019. Gary was a key contributor to changing the landscape of footy at Curra which saw them compete to the Preliminary Final in 2019.

He was awarded the 2019 Townsville AFL Coach of the Year for recognition of his development of the Senior Men’s team and contribution to club and culture growth of uniting the men’s and women’s playing groups. Gary is a strong believer in Club Community Culture, and that as a group “we get out what we put in”. 

Gary came to Northern Beaches Suns is 2021 as an assistant coach before moving away for two years. He has assisted the Men’s playing group at the back end of the 2024 season where the team have shown some promising statistics. Gary has also provided mentoring to aspiring coaches.

With the new addition of field lights, the club can be more flexible with training options year-round. Such flexibility will also contribute to club growth from juniors up to senior ranks. Gary recognises individual strengths and weaknesses and builds on this to lead individual growth and foster team integration. Gary’s passion and knowledge of the game will grow a strong team culture within the club and will contribute to strengthening the club’s foundation. Gary doesn’t do anything by halves, and he loves a challenge. He envisions The Suns confronting the Townsville AFL league with skill, tenacity and endurance in the 2025 season. 

Casino Night 2024

Casino Royale Night – Suns 2024

🎲 Get ready for a night of glitz and glamour! 🎲

Join us for the Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club’s Casino Royale Night on Saturday, July 13th from 6:30 PM at The Green. This adults-only event is a highlight of our social calendar, promising a night of thrilling casino games, great prizes, and unforgettable fun.🎟️ Tickets are just $30 per person and include:

  • Playing chips
  • Appetisers
  • A free drink on arrival
  • Try your luck at blackjack, poker, and other gaming tables. Secure your tickets at the bar or on the night. Don’t miss out on this exciting event – it’s going to be a night to remember!

    Fairplay Vouchers

    Exciting Updates: FairPlay Vouchers Round 11 Now Open to All QLD Kids!

    Good afternoon, Northern Beaches Suns community!

    We are thrilled to share some fantastic news about the FairPlay vouchers program! Starting from 1 July 2024, this wonderful initiative is expanding its reach. All Queensland children aged 5 to 17 are now eligible to apply, not just those with concession cards. This is an incredible opportunity to get more kids involved in sports and active recreation, and we want our junior parents to be among the first to benefit!

    What’s New in Round 11?

    • Eligibility: FairPlay is now open to all Queensland kids aged 5 to 17.
    • Voucher Value: Increased from $150 to up to $200.
    • Voucher Availability: Up to 200,000 vouchers will be available. Of these, 50,000 are reserved exclusively for Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card holders.
    • Application Period: Opens on 1 July 2024 and remains open for up to 12 months (or until vouchers are fully exhausted). Note: There will not be a new round in January, so this is your chance to secure a voucher for the next 12 months.

    Act Fast and Secure Your Voucher!

    The expanded eligibility means these vouchers will go quickly. We urge our junior parents to apply as soon as possible to ensure your children can benefit for the next season. Once you have the voucher, you have until the start of June 2025 to use it for your registration.

    Stay Informed

    This is a fantastic opportunity to help more children engage in sport and active recreation. Let’s get the word out and ensure our community makes the most of this initiative!

    Thank you for your continued support in getting more kids active. Apply now and don’t miss out!

    Go Suns!


    Please share this exciting update on all our social media channels to maximise its reach. We want to ensure every family in our community knows about this opportunity. Let’s get more kids on the field, enjoying sports, and staying active!

    indigenous round 2024

    Northern Beaches Suns Indigenous Round 2024

    The Northern Beaches Suns are thrilled to announce our Indigenous Round 2024, celebrating the rich culture and heritage of our Indigenous members, friends, and family of the club. This special event is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and community spirit.

    Event Details:

    Thursday, 27th June:

    • 6.30 PM: Smoking Ceremony – A traditional ritual to cleanse and purify the area.
    • 7.00 PM: Indigenous Jumper Presentation & Dinner – Our new Indigenous jumper, designed by our very own David Hedlam, will be unveiled.

    Saturday, 29th June:

    • Welcome to Country Ceremony – Performed between the Senior Women’s and Men’s games, honouring the traditional custodians of the land.

    Join us for these memorable events and show your support for our Indigenous community. Let’s come together to celebrate, respect, and enjoy the unique cultural heritage that makes our club so special.

    Luke Berry Livin

    Supporting Mental Health in Memory of Luke Berry

    We are honoured to continue sharing the inspiring story of Luke Berry, a remarkable young man and a cherished member of our community. Luke was a young graduate engineer for Incitec Pivot Limited (IPL), who took immense pride in his work at both the Phosphate Hill and Moranbah sites. Tragically, in November 2022, Luke lost his life to mental illness. He was a clever and charismatic individual with a bright future ahead of him, and he is greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

    Remembering Luke Berry

    Luke first picked up the footy with the Under 9’s in 2008, the inaugural year of the Northern Beaches Barras, and continued with the club right through to the foundation of the Northern Beaches Suns. While playing senior footy with us, Luke was voted Most Valuable Player by his teammates two years in a row, 2017 & 2018, as well as earning a Best and Fairest Award in 2018. Through hard work, grit, and determination, Luke was an integral part of every team he played in and left it all out on the field. In the last couple of years, Luke decided to follow his love of dirt bikes and hard enduro racing but always remained loyal to the club. Luke will always be a treasured member of the Northern Beaches Suns.

    To honour Luke’s memory and support mental health awareness, we are joining forces with Livin, a charity dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and encouraging open conversations about mental health among young adults. This June, Shane Slegers, a good friend and workmate of Luke’s, will participate in Livin’s annual stair climb challenge at the Q1, the tallest residential building in Australia. Last year, Shane climbed the 1,331 stairs five times, and he is eager to raise awareness and funds once again this year.

    We invite you to support Shane and donate to this vital cause. Together, we can help break the silence and spark national conversations about mental health, encouraging all Australians to speak up and share what they are going through.

    Please consider donating through the following link: https://q1stairchallenge24.grassrootz.com/livin/shane-slegers?utm_medium=QR&utm_campaign=ShareWidget&utm_source=Grassrootz

    If this article has caused you or anyone close to you any distress, please contact:

    Lifeline: 13 11 14
    Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

    Thank you for your support