Great Barrier Reef Arena and Tim Mulherin Community Green officially open
A new world class stadium and community park were officially opened, with state leaders honouring project trailblazer and late Mackay MP Tim Mulherin.
Mackay
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mackay. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Family members of the late Tim Mulherin, the Mackay MP who championed the Great Barrier Reef Arena, said he “never shut up about it”.
Tim’s son Rory Mulherin said he was “very proud” to see GBR Arena and the Tim Mulherin Community Green officially opened on Saturday.
“He put in a lot of hard work, so (we’re) very happy to see it all come along,” Rory said.
“I know Dad wouldn’t have wanted it (named after him), he would have wanted it to be about the whole board.
“But it’s good to get some recognition.”
Flanked by his uncle, Tim’s brother Marty Mulherin, the two were among a host of dignitaries who’d travelled to officially open the arena and park after five years in development.
“Everything he did was for Mackay,” Marty said
“It’s a great honour for him, he wouldn’t expect this, of course, he was a very humble person.
“We’re really proud to see him honoured in this way … and to keep his memory alive, so (I’m) a very proud brother.”
The $25.3 million Stage 1 redevelopment of the Great Barrier Reef Arena was opened ahead of the Legends on the Lawn concert, headlined by Australian music greats like Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, and Bernard Fanning.
Rory said the event was just the kind of thing his dad would have liked to see, especially as “a bit of a Paul Kelly fan, so he’d be happy to see Paul Kelly here”.
Deputy premier Steven Miles, accompanied by employments, workplace relations and arts minister Tony Burke as well as tourism, innovation and sports minister Stirling Hinchliffe, said Mulherin was “a great man and a great leader for Mackay”.
“It’s extra special to see the Tim Mulherin Community Green, “ Dr Miles said.
“He worked very closely with (Mackay MP) Julieanne Gilbert to secure the funding commitment for this project.
“So it’s fantastic to see it delivered.”
GBR Arena was joint-funded with $10 million from the Australian Government, $10 million from the Queensland Government, and $5.3 million from Harrup Park Country Club.
With specific announcements yet to come, Dr Miles said the arena would host a range of sports and concerts.
“The sky‘s the limit,” Dr Miles said.
“(Legends on the Lawn) is just fantastic and being able to put on more events like that (is) great for Mackay locals.
“People who love these acts will fly to Mackay and then tomorrow go out on a dive boat and they’ll have had a great weekend.”
Dr Miles said he expected 55,000 additional visitor nights per year, pumping money into the Mackay economy.
The arena is also expected to support 90 ongoing jobs and $31.7 million in economic benefits each year.
Julieanne Gilbert, Mackay mayor Greg Williamson, and Harrup Park board chairman Terry Doolan also spoke about their gratitude to Tim in helping create one of Australia’s best regional events venues.
“It was just wonderful to be over in the Tim Mulherin pathway with Marty and Rory, remembering all the work Tim did to get this up and running today,” Ms Gilbert said.
“Tim had the drive and the vision, and he drove some of us nuts at different times because he was just like a dog with a bone.
“So when you hear there is something happening at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, you need to buy your tickets and get here.
“Because you will be absolutely wowed by what we can turn on in our great city.”
‘Free lunch for the little criminals?’: Voter lets fly at Miles
A seething Townsville retiree has unloaded on Steven Miles and the Labor party for their handling of the youth crime crisis and school lunch plan.
100+ Names: Top performers from AFLQ Schools Cup finals
The AFLQ Schools Cup state finals have come to a close after a number of nail biting matches. Discover the star players from every single division now.