Call for masters athletes to Conquer the Tropics

Indoor rowing, underwater hockey and pickleball among some of the new sports that will feature alongside favourites such as netball, hockey and swimming at next year’s Great Barrier Reef Masters Games (GBRMG).

The four-day event will be held in Cairns from 29 May to 1 June 2025, with competitors expected from across the country, as well as from international destinations.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden today launched the “Conquer the Tropics” edition of the Games alongside GBRMG Ambassador, Ashleigh Brazill.

An elite dual athlete, Ms Brazill won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games for the Australian Netball Diamonds and in 2019 was named in the AFLW all Australian team as a halfback.

“Ashleigh is one of the most influential sports people in the country, and to have her as our Ambassador is a huge coup for the Games,” Cr Eden.

“Whether it was on the netball court or the footy field, she epitomises the qualities of a true champions and is an role model for women in sport.”

Having started her netball career with the NSW Swifts in 2010 and made her debut for the Australian Diamonds in 2015.

Last year she retired from netball, going out on a high as she helped the Diamonds win the Netball World Cup.

She has also enjoyed a successful career in the AFL Women’s competition, having played for Collingwood since 2018, she was traded to Freemantle in December 2023.

Cr Eden also challenged the local sporting fraternity to get on board to make the event better than ever.

“We already have 20 sports registered, including new inclusions like indoor rowing, wheelchair basketball, futsal (indoor soccer), wakeboarding, underwater hockey, and pickleball,” Cr Eden said.

“I want to thank those sports conveners and administrators for signing up so quickly, while also encouraging other codes to get on board.

“The event is the perfect way to promote your sport and also share in the proceeds the Games generate for local clubs.”

The 2023 GBRMG resulted in almost $145,000 being distributed to participating community sporting associations and businesses.

Tourism and Sport Minister and Cairns MP Michael Healy said the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games deserved its prominent place on the Cairns calendar.

“Events like the Masters Games bring thousands of extra visitors to Cairns,’’ Mr Healy said.

“All the competitors, their families and spectators who come for the Games pump money into our local economy and support our tourism operators, accommodation and transport providers and hospitality businesses.

“There’s no better way for Masters’ competitors to wind down after four days of competition than exploring the Great Barrier Reef, our World Heritage-listed rainforests, or relaxing on a sandy beach under a warm tropical sun.

“Now’s the time to start planning an extended stay in Cairns for next year’s Masters’ Games.”

Cr Eden said the city provided an unparalleled backdrop for the event, combining first-rate sporting facilities and competition with the region’s natural beauty.

“This will be the seventh GBRMG held in Cairns, which have steadily grown in popularity over that time,” Cr Eden said.

“The 2023 Masters Games were an outstanding success with nearly 2,400 individual competitors and over 2,000 accompanying visitors, delivering an economic impact of more than $3.8 million.

“The Games are far more than just about sporting prowess, they give masters’ aged athletes the chance to enjoy the adrenaline rush competition, but in the context of friendship and camaraderie.

“Competitors, primarily aged 35 years and over, put themselves to the test during the day, then relax and enjoy the Games hospitality and social events during the night.”

Coinciding with the GBRMG launch, a commissioned canvas painting by Cairns artist Joanne Bingham, featuring the 2025 Games totem animal – the green tree frog – was started today.

The unique piece will be auctioned off at one of the social events during the 2025 Games, with proceeds to go to the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal.

To register your interest in the 2025 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games visit www.gbrmg.com.au.

The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games are presented by Cairns Regional Council and Tourism and Events Queensland with the support of Team Elite.