SUPPORTING FIRE FROM THE ARMY
THE Townsville Fire and Australian Army have joined forces ahead of the upcoming Women’s National Basketball League season.
The army has signed a one- year major partnership with the Fire, who will now wear a new- look uniform showcasing the army’s Rising Sun emblem.
Fire coach Claudia Brassard, captain Suzy Batkovic, Major General Kathryn Toohey and Commander 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Chris Field, made the announce- ment at yesterday’s North Queensland Defence Women’s Leadership Forum.
Brassard said having the army as a club partner made perfect sense given Townsville’s status as a garrison city and shared values.
“The two organisations have a lot of similarities and we’re really excited to be working with the Australian Army,” she said.
“You look at what we represent, which is having healthy, positive female role models in the community, and I think that’s what the army prides itself on as well.
“The mateship and camaraderie that exists in the Australian Army is certainly something we try to have in our team as well. Having the Rising Sun on our uniform is a nice symbol of pride and unity that hopefully our players can take some motivation from.
“And the Australian Army represents making sure you’re working at your best and trying your best, which is what we try to do every time we hit the court.”
The Fire and the army’s 3rd Brigade will perform community work together as part of the partnership, and also engage in programs to reduce domestic violence and create opportunities for indigenous girls and women.
“There is a very unique relationship between 3rd Brigade and the North Queensland community, and also between the Fire and the North Queensland community, so … it’s an absolutely great activity,” Maj Gen Toohey said of the partnership.
“There’s lots of parallels between the two organisations. The army and the Fire are actively engaged in the North Queensland community. I think both organisations feel passionately about indigenous community organisations and we’re both very active when it comes to preventing domestic violence.
“But most importantly we are about … inspiring and assisting our women to achieve their personal best.”
Maj Gen Toohey said the partnership would also help inspire women within the Australian Army.
“This is the start of the partnership. I’d like to see our women look to the Fire as role models,” she said.