Bundaberg will host nearly 2000 competitors and more than 4000 visitors during the Confraternity sports rugby league and netball carnivals, beginning 30 June 2019.
Shalom College is hosting the massive Queensland Independent Secondary Schools events.
There are 48 rugby league teams coming from across the state and more than 60 netball teams.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s sport and recreation portfolio spokesperson, Cr Helen Blackburn, said it was a huge honour to welcome so many visitors for the confraternity sports.
“The teams will be arriving with officials, parents and volunteers, requiring an estimated 4000 beds for the week from 30 June to 5 July,” Cr Blackburn said.
“Economic modelling suggests a benefit of more than $5 million to local businesses.
“There will be thousands of promotional benefits as well through social media and news coverage.”
Cr Blackburn congratulated organisers for their professionalism in planning the events meticulously.
“They began meeting with Council around July last year to begin planning and logistics,” she said.
“Council is pleased to support both events with contributions of $5000 each through the Sport Championship Funding Program.”
Accommodation providers around Bundaberg have reported strong bookings throughout the carnival.
Sugar Country Motor Inn manager Geoff Liddell said it was a welcome boost.
“The motel is mostly full over that period and the restaurant catches a lot of the overflow with so many extra people around,” he said.
“It’s a good time for everyone in Bundaberg.”
Shalom College principal Dan McMahon said the Bundaberg community was looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the state.
“These are wonderful carnivals for all who are lucky enough to participate in them,” Mr McMahon says in a welcome video.
“We hope you will enjoy your visit to Bundaberg. The turtles love coming here every year and we hope you do too.”
Confraternity sports' proud history
The Confraternity Rugby League Carnival is the largest independent schoolboys (16-18 years of age) rugby league carnival in Australia.
The 2019 “Confro” will attract almost 1000 schoolboy rugby league players from 48 secondary schools throughout Queensland, from as far away as the Gold Coast to Mount Isa and Cairns.
Some 200 officials and volunteers and more than 2000 spectators from all over the state are expected.
Shalom Catholic College has a proud tradition with the event, having been initiated in Bundaberg and hosted in 1980, 1985, 2000 and 2009. The carnival in 2019 will be the 40th anniversary of Confraternity rugby league.
The 2019 carnival will have national exposure as many NRL clubs will have scouts at the carnival to view and sign players to begin a career in professional rugby league.
The first Confraternity netball carnival was held at Bundaberg in 1980.
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