All you have to do is “just start”- and the North Queensland Sports Foundation (NQSF) is here to help you do exactly that! Thinking about joining a local sporting club, hosting your own event, or just looking for new ways to get active? The Mackay Sport & Rec Expo is your chance to connect with the organisation that’s been driving grassroots sports across North Queensland for over 40 years.
Founded in 1983 following the success of the Brisbane Commonwealth Games, NQSF was established to encourage and promote sport and active recreation across the region. Today, it continues to champion local clubs and athletes through initiatives like the biennial North Queensland Games, the NQ Sportstar Awards, and the Move It NQ program, which has injected between $2.5–$3 million into local sports clubs and activity providers since 2018.
More than just an event organiser, NQSF also plays a crucial role in advocating for regional athletes, breaking down barriers to sports participation in remote areas, and reinvesting revenue directly back into its community-driven initiatives.
“Next year, we’re bringing the NQ Games back to Mackay for the first time since 2018,” said NQSF Chief Executive Officer Alexander Fisher.
“We’re a non-profit organisation, so any revenue we earn goes directly back into our events portfolio.”
Mr. Fisher emphasised the often-overlooked social and emotional benefits of sports involvement, encouraging community members to consider volunteer roles for personal growth and stronger local connections.
“Being involved in a sports club or community obviously can have physical health benefits, but we’ve overlooked the social and emotional wellbeing benefits for so long!
“If you’re looking for growth, you can even try applying for a volunteer board or committee position – they’re nowhere near as frightening as you think and you’ll be more connected to your local community.”
Attendees will also get a sneak peek at the re-launch of the free Move It NQ app in March, designed to list nearly every sports club and recreation activity across North Queensland.
If you're passionate about sport - whether as an athlete, volunteer, or supporter - this expo is your chance to get involved.
Expressions of interest for the 2026 NQ Games are now open!
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