A new era for the Townsville Fire
The Townsville Fire is thrilled to announce the beginning of a new era for the Club with their Hero and Foundation Partners.
The Club is excited to announce that Morris Group have joined the Fire family as Hero Partner, supporting the club with an additional $500,000 a year for the next three years.
Morris Group is the parent company of The Ville Resort-Casino and Ardo as well as a range of other tourism and hospitality businesses across northern Queensland.
The company also supports grassroots projects across the region through Morris Family Foundation, to help make a positive impact on communities, economies, and the environment.
The new partnership marks the largest contribution to the club from the private sector in its history, providing clear commitment to the advancement of female sport and pathways for elite athlete development in the North.
A dominant force in Australian women’s basketball, the Townsville Fire is pleased to align with Morris Group to elevate performance. With a shared vision for excellence and a commitment to community, this partnership provides a profound and positive impact.
The collaboration over the next three years represents a historic milestone, solidifying Morris Group as the organisation’s most substantial financial partner to date.
Morris Group Founder and Executive Chairman Chris Morris said the company was proud to throw its support behind the team and keep it in the hands of the community.
“We’re proud that we can play a role in supporting the team and to the continuing development of professional women’s sport in North Queensland.”
The Townsville Fire have had a strong partnership with The Ville for three years now and are excited that as part of the Hero Partnership that relationship will reach new heights, with both organisations strongly aligned in core values and their pride in the region, The Ville will take prominent position on the Fire’s playing singlet.
As part of Morris Group’s Hero Partnership, the Fire are incredibly proud to partner with CBCo Brewing, the new official Beer and Cider Partner of the Townsville Fire.
The partnership will also provide an incredible commitment to the community and ensure that the Fire continues to provide a direct pathway to female athletes from the region.
“We have worked with the Ville closely since 2020, and to have them come on board in such a significant way, as the new Hero Partner, is truly a game changer for the club, it means we remain competitive not just in the WNBL but in the entire sporting landscape, we can continue to set the bar and grow our organisation. Along with providing a real genuine opportunity to focus on junior pathways and our local region” said Sam Pascoe General Manager.
In an act that once again demonstrates their indelible commitment to women’s sports and to its community, James Cook University has also furthered its partnership with the Townsville Fire as the club’s Foundation Partner for another two years. This partnership continues a long-held association that has fostered success and that has allowed maturity in Club performance. James Cook University’s commitment continues to provide invaluable resources and opportunities for the team to shine both locally and nationally. It also again showcases the University on the national stage.
James Cook University Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs said he’s delighted JCU is continuing its support of the Townsville Fire.
“JCU has a longstanding partnership with the Fire. We’ve supported the premiership-winning team since 2014, and we are thrilled to continue that support. The Fire are wonderful ambassadors for the city and our region,” Professor Biggs said.
Townsville Fire Chair, Stephen Motti, noted that the Club is unashamedly community focussed and takes its role as an ambassador for the region seriously.
“The significance of each partnership cannot be understated. We are delighted to have Morris Group and JCU back this community run Club, and we are incredibly grateful for their support” he said. “Each have shown themselves to be winners in their own right. Both understand the importance of setting the pace, leading in their field, and being of and for the community. We look forward to continuing to raise the standard given their assistance.”
The Townsville Fire extends its deepest gratitude to Morris Group and James Cook University for their unwavering belief in the club’s potential and their commitment to the empowerment of women in sport. The club looks forward to an exciting future and to shared success, delivering for its fans and for the region.