Bowen Seagulls Score Big With Bendigo

The Bowen Seagulls Rugby League, established in 2004, has long been a pillar of the Bowen community, fostering teamwork, fitness, and a sense of belonging. As the largest sporting club in the region, with over 510 registered players and volunteers, the club plays a vital role in shaping the local sporting landscape.

Shane Douglas, the Seagulls’ Grants Coordinator, was at the forefront of securing much-needed funds to ensure the club's continued growth and development.

Recently, the Seagulls were awarded a Bendigo Bank Community Grant of $15,015, which was used to purchase a replacement digital scoreboard for their main field at Denison Park.

This upgrade came at a crucial time, as the club had been grappling with the cost of improvements and capital works.

Douglas emphasised how significant this funding was for the club.

“We were in urgent need of a replacement scoreboard, but with all the improvements going on at Denison Park, we were struggling to afford it. This grant was a godsend, allowing us to implement the new scoreboard before the season ended,” he shared.

The Bowen Seagulls’ relationship with Bendigo Bank has been long-standing and fruitful. In previous years, the club utilised an earlier grant to erect shade structures for spectators, and Bendigo Bank also stepped up as the major sponsor of the Seagulls' highly anticipated Ladies’ Day.

Douglas reflected on the ease of the grant process and how the funds were helping organisations across the Burdekin and Whitsundays region.

“The Bendigo Bank Community Bank in Home Hill and Ayr is doing amazing work. The grant process was simple, and the funds were distributed fairly to where they were needed most. This initiative truly makes a difference in the community,” Douglas shared.

The new digital scoreboard enhanced the game-day experience for both players and spectators, further solidifying Denison Park as the heart of rugby league in Bowen.

The club was eager to showcase the benefits of the grant at events such as their Ladies Day on 15 June and the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Country Round game between the Mackay Cutters and Norths Devils on 27 July.

“We were super chuffed about this grant, and we wanted everyone to come down to Denison Park to see the improvements for themselves. Events like Ladies Day and the Cutters v Norths Devils game were a great opportunity for the community to witness how much the Bendigo Bank Community Grant had benefitted us,” said Douglas.

The Bowen Seagulls continued to be a beacon of community spirit, providing opportunities for players of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the sport. Their dedication, coupled with the support of Bendigo Bank and other local sponsors, ensured the club remained a vital part of Bowen's community fabric.

As the Seagulls prepared for their events, it was clear that the grant was more than just a financial boost—it was an affirmation of the club’s hard work and an investment in its future.

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Bowen Seagulls receive their award

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