Community rallies to keep Rays afloat
Government intervention could also be on the cards to save the club.
But the Northern Rays still need between $80,000 and $100,000 in sponsorship to remain viable.
Coach Jillian Joyce said it was a race against the clock.
“There’s been a huge inpouring of support from the community and across the state and it’s been a fantastic level of support,” she said.
“We’ve now generated a market for a (sponsor) to come and swoop, so that’s our call out for a business to take advantage and come on board as a major sponsor of this organisation.”
Brothers Leagues Club boss Justin Wilkins confirmed he would meet with Netball Queensland executives tomorrow to discuss possible sponsorship packages.
“We would hate to see a sporting club in the region fold and we think it would limit the pathway for young girls to make their way in netball so we would like to see them stay in the competition,” he said.
Pickering’s Auto Group principal dealer Scott Mcelligott said the company would be happy to support the team “in some capacity”.
“I would call on like-minded businesses and motor dealers to see if we can all get together and help these guys,” he said.
An Adani spokeswoman called on the Northern Rays to apply for the mining giant’s community grant program, worth up to $10,000.
The Rays cater to a large portion of Queensland, with a pathway from grassroots to the top offering upcoming players a chance to progress to elite competition without relocation south.
Townsville City Council has confirmed it may be able to help.
Cr Colleen Doyle said the Rays might qualify for aid through a grants program for non-profit community groups.
“While the Northern Rays represent 18 associations across the region, they have two more home games here in Townsville and the council is happy to talk to them about how we might be able to provide assistance for those matches,” she said.
Townsville MP Scott Stewart said he would be approaching Sports Minister Mick de Brenni to see what the State Government could do. He said it was important to stop the Northern Rays going the way of former basketball side the Townsville Crocodiles.
“We really have to provide as many opportunities to these young people to pursue their sport and to be able to excel,” Mr Stewart said.
The Northern Rays have approached both Townsville’s major universities.
A spokesman for James Cook University said sponsorship matters were “commercial-in-confidence” and would not comment.
CQ University vice-chancellor Professor Nick Klomp said the institution was a proud sponsor of a number of projects and organisations but was not in a position currently to be the principal sponsor of the team.
The Rays have successfully secured minor sponsorship, including from NRL star Josh Mcguire who has donated a signed jersey to be auctioned.