Clubs face difficulties in making ends meet

THE return of sport is well underway as coronavirus restrictions begin to ease. But such has been the devastating impact of the health crisis, regional centres still face plenty of challenges getting off the ground and succeeding postpandemic. This is part one of the Townsville Bulletin’s series tackling these issues.

WITHOUT sponsors and a dedicated volunteer base, regional sport could cease to exist.

Sponsorships play a crucial role in clubs and organisations remaining sustainable, however the coronavirus pandemic has created a harsh economic climate for businesses to navigate.

Because of this impact – culminating in Treasurer Josh Frydenberg declaring the country was in a recession – the way in which local ventures have been hit by COVID-19 will limit the capacity in which they can offer their support.

Mendi Group managing director Jeff Doyle and his team have been fortunate enough to get through the health crisis in a position to continue their ongoing support for Townsville sport – including Brothers junior and senior rugby league.

But not all businesses will be able to do the same.

Herbert River rugby league president Joe Pennisi told the Townsville Bulletin last month that no crowds or sponsorships this season could create “a bit of a financial disaster” for them as the costs of putting on a game day supersede money coming to them.

He also said they would not be seeking sponsorships should the season go ahead given the strain businesses have been under throughout the pandemic.

It shows that getting community sport back on the park is not just a matter of setting guidelines for a safe comeback, but also about ensuring they are sustainable coming out of the pandemic. Over more than 20 years of support for Brothers, Doyle has seen the club evolve to what it is today with the support of dedicated partners and volunteers.

Doyle believed the Government’s return to sport guidelines and funding commitments needed to be rethought as regional demands would differ from the southeast corner.

The successful rejuven