CLIVE IS THE BRONCOS’ BIGGEST FAN
Philanthropist pledges $3m for grounds
TOOWOOMBA philanthropist Clive Berghofer has proven himself to be the Brisbane Broncos’ biggest fan, after donating $3 million towards the club’s new training facility.
The property developer and former Toowoomba mayor has agreed to sponsor the Broncos’ $27 million state-of-the-art grounds at Red Hill, in a move that will see the NRL side invest more time and money into the region’s schools.
The 82-year-old said Brisbane CEO Paul White actually approached him about the naming rights for the facility, which will now be called the Clive Berghofer Centre.
“They approached about five months ago about the training facility,” he said.
“They were building it and it was about three-quarter built and they asked if I could give them some money for sponsorship.
“It’s the first time (I’ve donated) directly to the club - they’re my number one Queensland team.”
Mr Berghofer, who was a financial backer of the Broncos’ old feeder club the Toowoomba Clydesdales in the 1990s, said the club would invest more time and money in Darling Downs schools as part of the arrangement.
The Beyond The Broncos program, which empowers underprivileged and disabled young people, has now expanded its scope to include Wilsonton State High School
“They’re going to do more stuff with the schools in the local areas here (as part of this),” Mr Berghofer said.
“I’ve had a relationship with them for several years and they get big crowds compared with the southern teams.”
Mr Berghofer will get a chance to look at the completed centre tomorrow at a special dinner hosted by the Broncos.
The six-year contribution brings Mr Berghofer’s pledge total to $15 million in 2017, with donations and contributions to St Vincent’s Hospital, LifeFlight, Ronald McDonald House and the RIDBC Clive Berghofer Centre.
“I want to give it back to the city, and I reckon there’s not a man, woman or child that I haven’t helped in Toowoomba in some way,” he said.