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

• Email: fairplayvouchers@dtis.qld.gov.au
• Phone: Call 13 QGOV
• Facebook: Follow us on Facebook @QldSportAndRec

• Apply here: Visit qld.gov.au/fairplayvouchers

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!

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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!

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.

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

We are thrilled to announce a monumental milestone for the Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club! After seven years of dedication and hard work, we are proud to begin the official field lighting project for our home ground, The Green at North Shore.

From our humble beginnings as an amalgamation of two smaller AFL clubs, we have grown into one of the largest clubs in Townsville. Located in the vibrant Northern Beaches of Townsville, the Suns offer a range of teams, from junior squads to men’s and women’s senior teams, all within a welcoming and inclusive community.

This exciting development has been made possible thanks to the generous support from the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, along with an additional grant from the AFL Queensland Grand Final Facilities Fund. Our new competition-grade lighting will transform our training and game experience, allowing us to fully utilise our facilities and extend our training hours.

Suns President Mark Boardman highlighted the significance of this upgrade, noting that the Suns are the only AFL club based in the Northern Beaches and play a crucial role in promoting sports within the community. With the new lighting, we can provide our players, especially the juniors starting with the NAB Auskick program, a better opportunity to train and develop their skills. This upgrade will also enable us to host night games, giving our community more chances to enjoy AFL matches and spotlighting our up-and-coming junior teams.

The installation of these lighting towers not only alleviates the financial burden of hiring portable light towers but also ensures we have sufficient lighting for evening games and training sessions. This is a game-changer for our club, offering a top-notch venue for AFL in Townsville, second only to Riverway Stadium in terms of presentation and playing surface.

We invite all our members, supporters, and sponsors to join us in celebrating this significant achievement. Come down to The Green at 4:30 PM on Tuesday, 28th May, and be part of this exciting new chapter for the Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club. Let’s come together and celebrate the bright future ahead!

Stay tuned for more updates, and see you at The Green! #NorthernBeachesSuns #AFL #TheGreen #FieldLighting #Community #nbsuns #getafterit

Feel free to share this on your social media and spread the word about this exciting development!

We are thrilled to announce the first inaugural selections for the Northern Beaches Suns Development Squad. This program is focused on nurturing the talents of our young athletes, preparing them for higher levels of competition, and instilling a deep love for the game of Australian Football.

Junior Development Squad Members

Congratulations to the following outstanding players who have made it into the Development Squad this season:

13.5 Boys:

• Rhys Duggin
• Reef Dunn
• Declan Edmondson
• William Logan
• Max Nathan
• Joshua Sporton
• Dustan Tommasini

U14.5 Girls:

• Aubree Emerson
• Kira Rigaldi
• Mae Lalovi-gafa

15.5 Boys:

• Joel Gordon
• Nick Barling
• Marshall Lyons
• Fin Maguire
• Logan Pederson
• Dean Wilde
• Callum Hopkins

17.5 Boys:

• Fraser Bentley
• Kaleb Tanner
• Declan Tardrew
• Angus Banks
• Brodie Scharenberg

U17.5 Girls:

• Gypsy Maguire
• Sienna Matthews
• Alani Burton
• Isabella McRae

Senior Men U19 Boys:

• Keyshawn A’hang
• Alex Trueman

Senior Womens U19 Girls:

• Karla Duggan

Coaching Team

We are exceptionally fortunate to have a talented group of coaches who dedicate their time and expertise to our development squad:

• Lead Coach: Cam Fielding – Contact: 0428121514
• Assistant Coaches: Zack Sleeth and David Hedlam

Training Schedule

Training sessions for the Development Squad take place at North Shore Oval – ‘The Green’ every Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. These sessions are critical as they are not only about refining skills but also about building teamwork, strategy understanding, and sportsmanship.

A Message from the Club

As a club, we are incredibly proud and excited to see our development squad in action. This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring that the Northern Beaches Suns continues to be a cornerstone of community sports in our region. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our coaches for their relentless dedication and to the families of all our players for their support.

Let’s look forward to a fantastic season ahead. Go Suns! 🌞

#nbsuns #afl #getafterit #footyinparadise

Date: 17/04/2024

The Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club is thrilled to announce our participation in this year’s Toyota Good for Footy Raffle, a fantastic opportunity for our community to rally behind our beloved club while standing a chance to win some incredible prizes. With 100% of the ticket proceeds going directly to our club, every ticket purchased is a step closer to achieving our much-needed club enhancements, including the installation of lights and a new scoreboard.

Why Enter the Toyota Good for Footy Raffle?

100% of Proceeds Benefit Our Club: Unlike many other fundraisers, every dollar from every ticket sold in the Toyota Good for Footy Raffle goes straight to the Northern Beaches Suns. This is a rare opportunity to make a direct financial contribution that will help us grow and provide better facilities and experiences for our players and supporters.

Spectacular Prizes Up for Grabs: This year, the stakes are higher than ever with not one, but three cars on the line! The prizes don’t stop there; there are numerous other fabulous rewards to be won, ensuring that your support could come with a thrilling bonus.

Easy to Participate: Getting involved couldn’t be easier. Simply scan the QR code found on our flyers, posters, and digital platforms or visit our designated website link to buy your tickets. A few clicks could lead to some exciting wins!

A Call to Action

This raffle isn’t just about the prizes—it’s about coming together as a community to support a cause close to our hearts. The funds raised will significantly impact our club’s capacity to improve and expand our facilities, offering a better environment for both current and future players. By participating, you’re not only giving yourself a chance to win but also helping light up the nights for the Northern Beaches Suns and adding to the score of our community spirit.

How You Can Help Further

Beyond purchasing your tickets, you can help us spread the word by sharing our posts on social media, telling your friends and family about the raffle, or even volunteering during our match days to promote ticket sales. Every bit of help counts tremendously!

Don’t miss out on this brilliant opportunity to win big and support the Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club in a significant way. Your support ensures we continue to thrive and enrich our community with the spirit of Australian Rules football.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, let’s aim for a goal, kick it through the big sticks, and celebrate the success that your backing will bring. Here’s to lighting up our club and showcasing our pride, both on and off the field!

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For any inquiries or to get involved further, please get in touch with Glenn Barling, or Dan Bales. Click on the link above for more details on how you can make a difference through the Toyota Good for Footy Raffle. Let’s make it a win for everyone!

GFF_Poster

April 13th, 2024 – From 5:30 PM

The Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club is excited to announce an evening of live music featuring the sensational Bo Taylor, this Saturday at The Green.

In what promises to be a memorable night, Bo Taylor will take the stage following the adrenaline-pumping seniors’ game. It’s your chance to experience the heart and soul of our community as we come together to celebrate the spirit of the game and the power of music.

Join us from 5:30 pm to enjoy:

• Great Live Music: Let Bo Taylor’s voice be the perfect backdrop to a beautiful sunset at The Green.
• Delicious BBQ Dinner: No evening is complete without a hearty BBQ, and we’ve got the grill fired up for everyone.
• Refreshing Drinks: Toast to your team and sing along with a drink in hand, choosing from a selection of beverages.

This event is open to all—members, fans, and families alike. Let’s make this a night where the community spirit shines as bright as the stars above. Bring along your friends and family and make sure to spread the word. The more, the merrier!

We look forward to seeing you there.

When: Saturday, 6th April | Time: 7 PM Onwards

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Where: Northern Beaches Suns AFL Clubhouse (the Green) – The heart of footy and fun!

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Time’s ticking, and our most anticipated event is just around the corner! It’s time to dive into the depths of your wardrobe or the nearest op shop and unearth those hidden treasures because our Op Shop Party is NEXT SATURDAY!

It’s not just a party – it’s a celebration of quirky style, groovy tunes, and community spirit, all rolled into one unforgettable night.

Here’s What’s in Store for You:

• Groove to the Beats: Get ready to move to the electrifying tunes spun by the one and only DJ Jarrad Parker.
• Dress to Impress: Flaunt your most fabulous op shop finds in our fashion show. Will you be the one to take home the prize for Best Dressed?
• Sip & Munch: Your entry treats you to a welcome drink and delicious nibbles to keep your spirits high and energy up.
• For the Whole Family: A family-friendly bash with a special entry price for kids – only $5!
• Grab Your Tickets: Just rock up and buy your tickets at the door.

The Clock’s Ticking!

Don’t be caught on the sidelines for this one. Gather the troops, choose your threads, and join us as we kick off the first social event of the year with a bang!

Whether you’re a footy fanatic, a thrifty fashionista, or just in for a good time, this is the place to be. Remember, all are welcome – the more, the merrier!

The Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club can’t wait to see you there. Let’s make this night as legendary as the game we love. Come on down and let the good times roll!

Be there or be square!

Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we at the Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club want to take a moment to honour the incredible women who make our club what it is. From the field to behind the scenes, their passion, hard work, and dedication shine brightly, making every victory sweeter and every challenge worth facing.

This year, we’ve hit a monumental milestone that fills us with pride: for the first time, we have registered 4 female teams to compete in the season. This achievement marks a significant step forward in our journey towards inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment through sport. It reflects not just the growing enthusiasm for AFL among women in our community but also our club’s commitment to supporting and celebrating female athletes.

But our admiration doesn’t stop at the boundary line. Off the field, women play critical roles in the heart and soul of our club. From organising events to managing operations, coaching, and everything in between, their contributions are invaluable. They are the unsung heroes whose efforts ensure our club not only runs smoothly but thrives.

To our committee members and everyone involved in making the Northern Beaches Suns a beacon of community and sport, your leadership and vision have been pivotal in our growth and success. Your dedication to the club and its values inspires us all.

On this International Women’s Day, we stand proud of the strides we’ve made together and excited for the future. To all the women of the Northern Beaches Suns, and to women everywhere, thank you for your strength, your talent, and your unwavering spirit. Here’s to breaking more barriers and achieving more milestones together.

Happy International Women’s Day! Go the Suns! 🌞💪

#nbsuns #getafterit #internationalwomensday

Dive into the friendly competition with just a $25 entry, and you’re in for a season of not just challenging your mates and enjoying the banter but also the chance to win big from our prize pool. The more, the merrier—and the bigger the pool! The prize split is generous, with 60% for the first prize, 25% for the second, and 15% for the third. So, the more enthusiasts join, the heftier the winnings.

Not only will you have the chance to showcase your expertise and potentially win some fantastic prizes, but you’ll also be able to join a community of like-minded fans who share your passion for AFL. With the Northern Beaches Suns AFL Footy Tipping Comp, you’ll be able to connect with fellow fans, engage in friendly banter, and enjoy the excitement of each round as it unfolds. So what are you waiting for? Sign up now for the Northern Beaches Suns AFL Footy Tipping Comp and get ready to showcase your footy knowledge, join a vibrant community of fans, and experience the thrill of predicting each week’s winners and losers!

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