Queensland Government backs Cairns Sign-on Day

More than 30 sporting clubs from across Cairns will come together at the Cairns Convention Centre on 10 February 2018 for the inaugural “Cairns’ Biggest Sign-on Day”.

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said the Queensland Government was proud to support the event with $30,000 in sponsorship.

“This idea was raised with me when we were governing from Cairns last year,” Mr de Brenni said.

“It’s a way of making it easier for local families to get involved in grassroots sport, allowing local sporting clubs to connect directly with young people and their families who are looking to join a sporting team.

“This one-day exhibition will see junior sport and sporting clubs come together in one location at the same time, allowing all kids and their families to explore which sport or activity is right fit for them.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said Cairns’ Biggest Sign-on Day would be free for participating sporting organisations and their clubs with free admission for all kids and their families.

“Deciding on a sporting code and suitable club or association can be a daunting task for many, so to have a one-stop-shop event which caters to an array of sporting disciplines is a great idea,” he said.

“The team at the Cairns Convention Centre are highly experienced event professionals with many years’ experience in events management and I congratulate them on pulling together such a wonderful not-for-profit community event.

Mr Healy said he looked forward to hearing the many success stories of the families and clubs that take part.

“The event is sure to be a highlight on the local sporting calendar and I encourage locals to get behind this great initiative.”

Managing Director of the Cairns Convention Centre, Mr Ross Steele said that the event is expected to be extremely popular.

“We are expecting 1500 visitors and over 160 local sporting clubs to be represented and we will be seeking additional community sponsors for the event” Mr Steele said.

“Cairns Biggest Sign on Day will assist in facilitating healthy lifestyles by showcasing the wide array of Cairns sporting clubs to kids and their parents.”

“This will link the Cairns Convention Centre to its objective of fostering local usage of the Centre and we will be providing in kind sponsorship of this event.”

Member for Mulgrave Mr Curtis Pitt said he expects the event to increase employment opportunities in the Cairns region.

“We know that the Cairns Convention Centre is a large employer of a casual workforce, and hosting this event will provide employment opportunities during a traditionally quiet events period,” Mr Pitt said.

Member for Barron River, Mr Craig Crawford said he wants to see more Queenslanders, no matter their ability, getting active and participating in sport and active recreation.

“We want as many FNQ kids to engage in healthy and active lifestyle and this free event will help kids and their parents join a local sport and recreation club” Mr Crawford said.

“This funding is a direct result of the Palaszczuk Government’s Governing from Cairns and FNQ back in June and I am pleased to have be a strong supporter of this proposal.” 

For further information or to get involved contact the Cairns Convention Centre on (07) 4042 4200.

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Media contacts:

Minister de Brenni - Cat Milton 0410 644 113
Minister Crawford – Neil Doorley 0412 393 909

Audio from Minister de Brenni: http://bit.ly/2FTiEnq