Community spirit reshapes Stratford sports precinct

• Stratford Dolphins Football Club (SDFC) and Barron Valley Gymnastics Club (BVG) have worked together with Council to agree on a realignment of lease boundaries, ensuring both clubs can continue to grow and serve the community.
• The new lease arrangement will enable BVG to rebuild and expand its facility, following damage from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
• The agreement secures long-term tenure for both not-for-profit clubs, supporting Stratford’s reputation as a vibrant, inclusive sporting precinct for families and athletes of all ages.

Barron Valley Gymnastics Club (BVG) is set to significantly expand its footprint, creating more space and opportunity for its 700-plus members, following the approval of a new long-term lease arrangement with BVG and the Stratford Dolphins Football Club.

The decision marks an important step in revitalising community sporting infrastructure in Stratford and follows extensive collaboration between Cairns Regional Council and the two long-standing clubs to realign their lease boundaries.

This partnership paves the way for BVG to rebuild and expand its facility after sustaining significant damage during ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the outcome reflects the strength of community partnerships and the shared commitment to providing inclusive, fit-for-purpose facilities for local families.

“This is a great example of how collaboration between community organisations creates long-term value for everyone,” Cr Eden said.

“Both clubs have shown incredible cooperation and vision in working together to ensure Stratford remains a vibrant sporting hub that serves hundreds of local families each week.”

The new trustee leases over land on Magazine Street will allow both clubs to continue operating on a secure, long-term footing, while supporting growth in participation and facility improvements.

Division 6 Councillor Kristy Vallely said that sporting clubs are so much more than places to play, they’re where people connect, build confidence and find their tribe.

“Being part of a local club supports not just physical fitness, but mental wellbeing and community spirit and it’s these everyday connections that make a real difference to people’s lives, Cr Vallely said.”

BVG will now be able to rebuild a modern, expanded facility to better accommodate its growing membership and program range.

BVG President Lionel Brooks said the club suffered extensive damage from the flooding event in December 2023, prompting a drive to extend the facility and “build it back better.”

“With the realignment of the lease the club is able to look at multiple options in order to extend and improve the facility to enable club growth,” Mr Brooks said.

“We look forward to producing a facility that is fit for purpose and able to accommodate our 700-plus members.”

SDFC, which has operated from the Magazine Street site for 50 years, has also welcomed the arrangement, supporting the boundary realignment to enable the gymnastics facility’s expansion.

“Community clubs have to stick together, and when the gym needed a bit of extra space to make improvements for their members, we were able to help make it happen,” said SDFC President Angelo Serafin.

“Council’s been really supportive too, making sure we’ve also come out better off from the changes. We’re looking forward to working with them as we keep improving things at the club.”

Council’s decision ensures that both not-for-profit organisations maintain long-term, affordable tenure arrangements under Council’s Tenure and Disposal Policy, in line with its Corporate Plan priorities for fostering a healthy, inclusive community.