WELCOME TO THE 2016 AUSTRALASIAN GAMES IN BRISBANE
We look forward to welcoming you to sunny Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. Brisbane is one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia and is known for its vibrant urban precincts, outdoor lifestyle and friendly locals. The 2016 Australasian Championships will be held in Gaelic Park, located at 318 Bowhill Road, Willawong. From Tuesday the 27th of September through to Saturday 1st October we will warmly welcome teams from all over Australia. Below is some of the information you will need before, during and after the games. If there is anything you cannot find in the information below, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on Australasian@qghfa.com or send us a message on the Australasian Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/australasianchampionships/
History of Queensland Gaelic Football and Hurling Association
It began with the late John Mahon and Seamus O’Kane in the late 1960’s. They called a meeting at John Mahon’s Acadia Hotel to discuss having games of hurling and football to accommodate the many young Irishmen who were excavating and laying pipes as part of Lord Mayor Clem Jones' plan to sewer Brisbane. To begin with, it was quite casual and games were played where possible.
By 1975 new people came along and the Queensland State branch of the G.A.A. was formed and affiliated with the National body. This year also saw Queensland send its first ever team to the Australasian Games. In 1982 the land that is now "Gaelic Park" at Willawong was secured with the Brisbane City Council and it became the headquarters of Gaelic games in Brisbane. At this stage, things were still quite informal, with two teams being picked from the assembled group. However, in 1983 it was decided that four clubs should be formed to stimulate competition and spirit. This was done on a geographical basis with clubs representing the North, South, East and West.
Souths won the first ever Qld Championship in 1983. 1996 saw the introduction of the Men's Reserve grade that brought an influx of new young players. Women stepped up and a competition was formed for them in 1997. Camogie and Hurling began in 2011. Today we have six men’s football teams, five ladies football teams, three hurling teams, a camogie team and even a Masters (over 35) football team.
Competition every Sundays is fierce, passionate and exciting with a real community spirit that the QGFHA are very proud of.
ACCOMMODATION
Diana Plaza Hotel; 12 Annerley Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane QLD 4102
Located in South Brisbane, the hotel is only a 15 minute drive from the Gaelic Grounds in Willawong, as well as being in a very central location for the Gabba Stadium and getting to the CBD.
- 4 Star Boutique Hotel – 67 Rooms
- Located in the complex are numerous restaurants, convenience store open 6:am-11:pm, newsagency, bottle shop, chemist, Mater Hospital across the road and more.
- Choose between Deluxe Queen, King Twin, Triple Rooms & Suites
- All Rooms: Shower (some with baths), Air-Conditioned, Iron & Ironing Board, Hairdryer, Mini-Bar, Tea & Coffee Making Facilities, Foxtel & Free In-house Movies
- 24 Hour Reception
- Ample Parking – including Coach (complimentary)
- Wireless Internet Access – Free of Charge
- Restaurant & Bar
- In-Room Dining
- For Tired Muscles: Apollo’s Day Spa is located on the ground floor, with Sauna, Hot & Cold Plunge Pools, Relaxation Areas and Discounted Massages for all Players and Members
- Plus Free use of the Fully Equipped Gym. Open 24 hours a day.
Contact Courttney Anderson: Assistant General Manager 07 38961694 and reference the 2016 Australasian State Games. Email: courttney@dianaplaza.com.au
Gabba Central Apartments; 803 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane QLD 4102
Gabba Central Apartments is located directly opposite the Gabba Stadium (ball venue). They are happy to offer accommodation for the teams, officials and/or spectators. There is a direct booking link on the QGFHA website:
1) Select the date and number of nights required. Click Go
2) Once directed to the booking page; confirm rooms and guests.
3) Enter the event booking code AGC16 under “Promo/Corporate Code”.
4) The special discounted rate will then be available.
5) Follow the booking prompts.
GETTING TO THE GAMES
Queensland’s Gaelic Park is located at:
318 Bowhill Rd
Willawong QLD 4110
Clubhouse Phone: (07) 3372 2181
Bowhill Road runs roughly parallel to and south of Ipswich Rd between Blunder Rd and Beatty Rd. The GAA grounds are just above DURACK and Progress Rd designated Highway 30 in the centre of the map below.
Travel time from Brisbane CBD is approximately 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. Travel time from Brisbane Airport to Gaelic Park is approximately 30-40 minutes again depending on traffic. You will need to make your own way there by car rental, bus hire or taxi depending how close your accommodation is to Gaelic Park. There are tolled roads along the way so keep an eye on signs. The following are the names of some local bus companies:
- Brisbane Bus Lines- http://www.brisbanebuslines.com.au
- Brisbane Mini Bus Charter- http://www.brisbaneminibus.com.au
- Kangaroo Bus Lines- http://www.kangaroobuslines.com.au
Getting there by public transport
Check out https://translink.com.au/
Getting there by Taxi
Black and White cabs- 133222 or Yellow Cabs- 131924
Both have mobile apps.
Parking at Gaelic Park
Parking for buses, players and supporters will be in the field adjacent to Gaelic Park or on the road outside Gaelic Park. Parking inside Gaelic Park will be for volunteers and medical staff only. Directions will be given each day.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR DAY 1
Registration
To ensure all players are registered and legal to play, each player must present themselves to the registration table in the clubrooms on day one for all codes. As camogie and hurling will have semifinals on the second day of their competitions and the rule states that no one can play in a semifinal unless they have played at least one preliminary game, then every player in these two codes must have had their identification and registration details checked prior to playing on the first day. In Senior and Women's Gaelic Football all players need to provide photographic I.D. to registration officials on the first day. Anyone who does not arrive until the second day of the competition must provide I.D. to registration officials before playing so that they are eligible to play for the entirety of the games. Players cannot take the field until you have registered. This policy must be adhered to by all players and no leniency will be offered on the day for people forgetting photographic I.D.
Minors will need to show photographic ID as per the above requirements before they play and also cannot play in a semifinal unless they have played at least one preliminary game.
Dressing Rooms
Please note that the dressing room schedule and fixtures schedule are very tight. Please be prompt in changing and warming up as any delay will impact on other teams. You may be togging out in a different dressing room to togging in, so you must bring all belongings with you to designated areas outside. There will be dressing room officials appointed to direct teams and schedules will be posted on dressing room doors.
Launderette
A local launderette has been arranged to wash and dry gear during the games. They will pick up and drop off gear each day. The gear needs to be left in the main club house hall next to the stage. Your property officer is responsible for dropping off gear at the end of each day, collecting it the next morning and ensuring the laundry bag is clearly labeled with your state and team name. The cost per squad/wash is $80 or $240 per state team over three days. Teams playing twice in one day may need to make their own arrangements to cover this.
Gaelic Park Admission Fees
Admission on Tuesday the 27th, Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th of September is free. Admission on finals days Friday 30th of September is $5 and Saturday 1st of October will be $10. Players and mentors are free.
Medical Information
Ambulance cover – St John’s Ambulance will be available each day at the grounds. They will provide first aid at the grounds while games are being played. Please see Queensland Government website for further details about ambulance cover while interstate:
https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/emergencies-services/qld-visitors-qas.html
The nearest medical centres to Gaelic Park are:
- Acacia Ridge Medical Centre ph (07)3255 6131 or
- Elizabeth St Medical Centre ph (07) 3277 7500.
The nearest hospital is QEII Jubilee Hospital at Cnr Kessels Rd & Troughton Rd, Coopers Plains. Ph (07) 3182 6111. It is approximately 15 minutes’ drive from Gaelic Park.
FACILITIES AT GAELIC PARK
Physiotherapist
An onsite physio will be provided. All treatments must be paid for. A pricelist and list of treatments will be available at the grounds.
Food
There will be a number of food options on-site. There will be a canteen, BBQ and coffee tent available.
Opening times will vary, please see venues at the grounds. Please note that there is no ATM at the grounds but EFTPOS is available.
O’Neills
O’Neill’s will be set up at Gaelic Park with all your favorite merchandise. A pricelist and sizes will be available to view at the grounds. The gear sells fast so make sure to get yours early in the week.
Property
Each team should have a property officer responsible for gear/equipment. This person will be responsible for ensuring gear is dropped off for laundry. We will provide gear bag storage however Gaelic Park accepts no liability for loss or theft of property. Lost property if found can be handed into the information desk.
Volunteers
Just a quick note about our volunteers, some are committee members who will know a great deal, but some will be helping out for the day or a few hours. Please be patient, if they do not know the answer to your question they will know who to ask.
Your Safety and Wellbeing
Gaelic Park is committed to your safety and wellbeing. In order to ensure you have an enjoyable experience and the smooth running of the games, we ask all players, team mentors and supporters to assist us in the following rules:
- Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas. Please smoke in these areas and dispose of your cigarette butts in bins provided. There will be fines issued for those caught smoking outside of the designated smoking areas.
- Offensive language is not permitted at Gaelic Park. We are a family friendly organisation so please bear in mind; children will be present throughout the week.
- The wearing of football boots is prohibited in the club house.
- Gaelic Park does not accept any responsibility for loss, theft or damage to any property so please look after it.
- Alcohol is available at the grounds. Under no circumstances is alcohol allowed in the playing area. Anyone who does not comply with this rule will be asked to leave the grounds. Please drink responsibly.
- No alcohol purchased outside of Gaelic Park can be consumed at Gaelic Park. We reserve the right to search all vehicles and bags for liquor purchased elsewhere.
- All persons attending the games must adhere to GFHAA’s Code of Conduct- “Fair play involves honesty, respect for teammates, and respect for opponents – whether winning or losing and respect for referees, umpires and officials.” We will not tolerate any abuse of players, teams’ mentors, referees or volunteers. All persons must behave responsibly and in an honest manner. Any person failing to do so will be asked to leave the grounds.
LIVE STREAMING OF THE FINALS
For the first time ever, the Australasian Gaelic Games Finals will be streamed LIVE through the Brisbane Hockey Zone Portal, so that everyone gets to experience the exhilarating excitement, along with those present (and playing!).
The link will be advertised on the 2016 Australasian Gaelic Games Facebook https://www.facebook.com/australasianchampionships page closer to the games, and will also be available to view on the QGFHA website: https://www.gaelicfootballqld.com.au/2016-australasian-championships/ so make sure to keep an eye out for it and share it so your family and friends can see you or your state in action!!
