Historic partnership with AFL Queensland to deliver lights at St Eugene’s Park

Iona College will light up AIC footy this season after linking for an historic partnership with AFL Queensland that will deliver floodlights to a local park.

Damien Mitchelmore (AFL Venue & Government Partnerships Manager, QLD), and Iona College Principal Trevor Goodwin.

An exciting new era for Aussie rules at Iona College begins in 2025, with an historic new partnership with the AFL delivering floodlights to St Eugene’s Park.

This major investment in the code at Iona is part of a Queensland-first partnership with the AFL to increase Aussie rules infrastructure in schools.

Iona College is the first school in the state to partner with AFL Queensland through the “Breaking New Ground’ program which assists with the planning, design, and development of Australian football facilities at schools and other innovative locations.

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This project will see the installation of lights over the MCG-sized oval for the use of the school and the local AFL community, allowing for this great space to be utilised for longer every day.

The announcement comes after Iona earlier this month unveiled an all-star AFL First XVIII coaching roster comprising of former Brisbane Lions captain Tom Rockliff and ex-North Melbourne star Leigh Harding ahead of the new AIC season.

Iona College Principal Trevor Goodwin said the partnership with AFL Queensland and the installation of the lights would be a boost for the College’s students and families, as well as the local community.

Ex-North Melbourne star Leigh Harding and former Brisbane Lions captain Tom Rockliff were now coaches at Iona College.Pictured with Archie Watts (right ) and Ben Lillico (left).

“Community is at the heart of everything we do at Iona, and our wonderful relationship with AFL Queensland has now grown into a true partnership through the Breaking New Ground program,” Mr Goodwin said.

“This partnership is the result of a lot of hard work from both sides. The end result is not only a first for schools in Queensland, but supports the growth of the game and greater opportunities for our students and the local community.

“Iona is delighted to be at the forefront of this initiative, and very proud of our strong relationship with the AFL to deliver this project for our community.”

Head of AFL Queensland Trisha Squires said Iona was a perfect choice for the first Breaking New Ground project.

“Iona is fortunate to have such incredible facilities and expansive fields for their sporting teams, and their commitment to Australian rules football can be seen by the fact their main footy oval – St Eugene’s Park – was designed deliberately to be the exact same dimensions as the MCG,” Mrs Squires said.

“Iona is also very committed to their community and has great existing relationships with the local community Australian rules football clubs, and has been the host venue for matches in the Queensland Wheelchair Football League, including QClash games between the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS.

“Iona College has been fantastic to work with in establishing a partnership for this project and we are grateful for the funding provided through the AFL Queensland Grand Final Facilities Fund.”

The AFL Queensland Grand Final Facilities Fund is an $8 million partnership between the Queensland Government and the AFL, which is part of the legacy of hosting the historic 2020 AFL Grand Final at the Gabba.

Construction for the new lighting Is already underway at Iona, with site preparation work taking place over the Christmas holidays.

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Originally published as Historic partnership with AFL Queensland to deliver lights at St Eugene’s Park