Grassroots institution Brothers Leagues has celebrated major milestones – both showcasing its legacy over the past half-century and amongst the Ipswich community.
While technically kicking-off in 1920, Brothers Football Club had no official home and trained at any available ground in the area, until in 1963 they took up residence at Wildey Street, Raceview.
In 1974, a major development saw the erection of a modern two-level clubhouse and the birth of Brothers Leagues, becoming the only licensed football club in the district and consequently a popular venue for entertainment and private functions.
Several renovations and five decades later, Brothers Ipswich is the largest community club and the leading community-focused sport and entertainment venue in Ipswich, counting more than 34,000 members.
On 21 September the Club celebrated 50 years of service with a major free event – the Brothers Big Bash 50 Year Celebration, drawing over 5,500 attendees.
The day featured a huge variety of family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo, amusement rides, face painting, and the highly anticipated Bluey Live Interactive Experience. Complementing these was a showcase of local music acts throughout the afternoon, providing a platform for local artists.
As night fell guests enjoyed performances from The Koi Boys, and headline act the iconic Rogue Traders, all capped by an impressive fireworks display.
The success of the day was marked by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, one remarking it was a “fantastic day, especially for the kids”.
“I just wanted to say a big thank you for the event you put on over the weekend. For a family on a tight budget, it was great to have so much free entertainment,” said another.
The Club notes the celebration was not only about marking the 50-year milestone but also about “recognising, thanking and appreciating our community” that were part of the history.
“We are proud to have hosted an event that reflects the spirit of our community, and create an atmosphere that was enjoyable, safe, and truly memorable for everyone involved.”
2024 marked the second year of the Brothers Helping Others $100,000 Community Grant Program, which aims to empower local not-for-profit and charitable organisations in their delivery of valuable services to the community.
Held 2 October, this year’s Grant Presentation Evening brought together “exceptional local organisations” to receive their grant funding.
Also in attendance were key community leaders, local councillors and MPs, including Shayne Neumann MP, Mayor Teresa Harding, Jennifer Howard MP, Councillor Marnie Doyle, and Councillor Pye Augustine.
The second year’s event saw 39 remarkable recipients awarded a grand total of $109,886 – an amount that again exceeded the $100,000 commitment, highlighting Brothers’ continued dedication as the leading club in town to empowerment, support, and collaboration.
“We are thrilled to support the deserving organisations that work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of those around us. This program would not be possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated members and guests.”
This over-spent grants program also contributed to the Club achieving the highest community contribution total in its history during the past financial year, providing a total of $738,674 to worthy community causes.
This figure brings its total impact over the past 10 years to more than $5.6 million.
The grants are inspired by the goal to help deliver valuable services to the region, backing programs or initiatives that support training and capacity building, purchasing of equipment, volunteer training, education, and other eligible costs that meet the program objectives.
To be eligible, an organisation must be within Ipswich, and be a not-for-profit community organisation, an existing Kindred Club of Brothers Leagues, a charity or a local school. Up to $5,000 in funding is available.
As the Club marks its Golden anniversary, it leaves a gilded mark on more than football in the Brisbane precinct.
“We thank everyone who joined us in celebrating this incredible milestone and are excited to proudly carry our community commitment into the future with us.”
