BELIEVE: Brunswick Valley Sports Association bounces back to unite community and help develop youth talent
Reflections Holidays
In a comeback to inspire Ted Lasso, the Brunswick Valley Sports Association has reformed after almost a decade to not just unite the community’s three sporting codes but prompt a groundswell in team membership and participation.
The central body for three main sporting codes in Brunswick Heads, on the New South Wales north coast, the Association was formed in 1969 and its clubhouse at Stan Thompson oval used by the Mullumbimby-Brunswick Cricket Club, Brunswick Valley Bulldogs AFL Club and the Mullumbimby- Ocean Shores Moonshiners Rugby Club.
For the past eight years, however, the BSVA lay dormant because of the deteriorating clubhouse facilities. By late 2023, the clubs were in desperate need of sponsorship not just for their own team equipment but to save the clubhouse.
Enter Lorna and Jared Carr, the park managers of Reflections Brunswick Heads who are passionate about their community and sport –Jared is president of the BSVA and the BV Bulldogs and also coaches cricket.
Reflections donated $10,000 and, with more contributions from the sports clubs and donated labour, the clubhouse was given a lick of new paint, new lighting, electrical fittings, windows, fans and carpet.
Mr Carr said the clubhouse revitalisation project had united Brunswick Valley’s sporting codes and attracted compliments from visiting opposition teams but had caused an even more powerful knock-on effect for the local sporting community.
“The cricket club has grown from one senior and junior team to two senior and three junior teams with the seniors making the grand final two years in a row and the Under 12s also making the grand final last year,” Mr Carr said.
Meanwhile, the ALF club has recorded a 30 per cent increase in junior members, from three teams struggling for numbers each week to three teams flourishing with numbers, and a fourth team ready to be entered for next season.
“It also has its first senior team waiting to begin its competition in six weeks and Reflections also came on board as a sponsor for some new junior kits and equipment”, Mr Carr said.
Not to be outmuscled, the Rugby club has been able to attract new quality players for its senior team and recently added an Under 18s team to the club, with both teams currently sitting in the top two places 2 on their respective ladders.
Mr Carr said that the BSVA was once again a platform to ensure the clubs work together in promoting an avenue for the community to improve their health and mental well-being through sport.
“It has also allowed incoming sponsors of the BVSA to have year-round sponsorship and exposure across the winter (AFL and rugby) and summer (cricket) seasons,” he said.
Reflections CEO Nick Baker said the initial sponsorship and enthusiasm by the Carrs and Reflections Brunswick Heads had effectively passed the ball back to the clubs to rally and grow their bases for the benefit of the entire community.
“Reflections is a social enterprise and our staff members are passionate about the communities they live in and work hard to support them, and in this case Lorna and Jarred have given time and money to work alongside their community to turn the clubhouse back into a cosy place where the community can connect,” Mr Baker said.
“We believe as an organisation that life’s better outside and local sport is so important to not only nurture youth talent but also to connect communities. This is why we’ve also partnered with Surfest to launch the Cadet Cup series for young groms along the east coast. It’s all a part of our broader strategy to participate in and support our communities.”
Minister for Lands, Property and Tourism Steve Kamper thanked Reflections Holidays for its contributions to support community well-being.
“Reflections Holidays plays an important role supporting regional tourism by managing holiday parks on Crown land across the state and reinvesting profits back into the reserves for the benefit of the people of NSW,” Mr Kamper said.
“It’s great to see this joint effort to get the Brunswick Valley Sports Association clubhouse back into operation to invigorate community sport in the region.”
MEDIA IMAGES: Please click here.
MEDIA CONTACT: Penelope Green 0437 144 526
Key Facts:
The Brunswick Valley Sports Association clubhouse refurbishment has united the small town's three sporting codes - and they are all witnessing a surge in participation.
Full suite of images via link at the end of Media Release.
About us:
Reflections is a Crown land manager that reinvests profits back into the 41 parks and properties it operates, and the 47 community reserves it cares for on Crown land. It's the largest adventure holiday group in New South Wales and the only one nationally that is a certified social enterprise.
Contact details:
Penelope Green
0437 144 526
