Fire poised for Army Open Day

August 30, 2018 | Townsville Fire news

The JCU Townsville Fire will be on base at Lavarack Barracks tomorrow as 3rd Brigade hosts its annual Open Day.

The community event will serve as a fundraiser for Legacy, while at the same time providing North Queenslanders with a unique behind-the-scenes look at the vital role the Army plays in Townsville.

Three-time WNBL championship winner Mia Murray will be on hand along with a raft of Fire stars including new recruits Tess Madgen and Ally Malott.

“So often the members of this great community, in this true garrison town, would drive past the barracks and not really know what we do,” 3rd Brigade Commander Brigadier Scott Winter told the Townsville Bulletin.

“This is a chance for those families to come in behind the fence and find out, for themselves, what that is.

“The Army is a big part of the community here in Townsville, participating in sports teams, charities, schools and community groups. We are welcomed with open arms.

“This is our chance to welcome the community into our base and I would hope that those not so familiar with Defence walk away feeling part of the greater Defence community.”

In 2017/18, the Fire and the Army signed a strategic alignment including the addition of the Rising Sun on the club’s playing singlets.

The comprehensive partnership includes the Army and the Fire working collaboratively together on a number of community-based activities with a focus on women and girls.

Fire General Manager Richard Goodbody said the club was thrilled to support the Open Day at Lavarack Barracks with their inflatable basketball hoop and stars.

“Townsville is a proud garrison city and we are equally proud of our relationship with the Australian Army,” Goodbody said.

“It’s a relationship built on shared values – trust, respect, comradery and above all else mateship – and we look forward to seeing Fire fans on base mixing with our new stars and the members of 3rd Brigade.”

Entry is a gold coin donation, with the gates opening at 8am.