FQ Darling Downs

📣 Round 127 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund is now open!

Eligible clubs can apply for grants of up to $35,000 to support projects that make a positive difference in your community via the new grants portal, which provides a more streamlined application process.

⌛ Applications close 28 September 2026.

Find out more & apply for funding 👉 https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants

🎉 Round 127 is now open and applications can be submitted through our new grants portal.

Eligible community organisations can apply for grants of up to $35,000 to support projects that make a positive difference in their communities.

The new portal provides clearer guidance and a more streamlined application process, helping applicants understand the requirements and submit their applications online.

📅 Applications close 28 September.

Know a community organisation doing great work? Tag them in the comments below.

Apply now: https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants

If you need support or assistance with your application, please contact the GCBF team:

📞1800 633 619
✉️ [email protected]

Honouring a Lifetime of Service to the Game 🏆

Congratulations to Kevin Lawson of St Albans FC on receiving the 2026 Darling Downs Service to Football Platinum Award, recognising 20 years of service to football in Queensland.

A longstanding figure at St Albans Football Club, Kevin has dedicated more than 45 years to the club through a variety of committee and leadership roles, including serving as Club President. He also played a key role in the club's relocation from Ruthven Street to Middle Ridge Park in the early 1980s and has remained a passionate advocate for football in the region ever since.

Through his tireless work behind the scenes, support of players and families, and commitment to fostering a welcoming club environment, Kevin has made a lasting impact on St Albans FC and the wider Darling Downs football community.

Recognising a Decade of Dedication 🏆

Congratulations to Adam Halstead of Gatton Redbacks F.C. on receiving the 2026 Darling Downs Service to Football Gold Award, recognising 10 years of service to football in Queensland.

Over the past decade, Adam has made a significant contribution to football across the Darling Downs as a player, coach, committee member, Vice President, President and mentor. His leadership has helped strengthen Gatton Redbacks FC, enhance club facilities and create a welcoming environment for members, while his commitment to junior development has positively impacted countless young players.

Even after stepping down as President in 2024, Adam has remained a dedicated volunteer and valued contributor to the club community, continuing to leave a lasting mark on football in the region.

Congratulations to Brittany McEvoy of Stanthorpe United Redbacks Football Club on being named the 2026 Darling Downs Volunteer of the Year.

A driving force behind Stanthorpe United Redbacks FC, Brittany has dedicated countless hours to supporting the club both on and off the field. From administration and volunteer coordination to ensuring the club's day-to-day operations run smoothly, her commitment has played a vital role in the club's continued success and growth.

Through her passion and dedication, Brittany has helped foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for players, families and volunteers, making a lasting impact on both her club and the wider Darling Downs football community.

Congratulations to Gatton Redbacks F.C. on being named the 2026 Darling Downs Community Club of the Year.

With a strong focus on inclusion, player development and community spirit, Gatton Redbacks continue to provide positive football experiences for participants of all ages. The club also celebrated significant growth this season, including the return of women's football and a playing base of more than 440 registered players.

Congratulations to everyone at Gatton Redbacks FC on this outstanding achievement. 👏

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 🏆
These awards recognise those who lead by example and help foster a culture of respect, inclusion and positivity throughout football in the Darling Downs.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 (𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧): Lauren Mangan - Nanango Panthers Soccer Club
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 (𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛): South Toowoomba Hawks

Thank you for your outstanding contribution to our game.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 🏆

Congrats to all the 2026 award recipients on their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Darling Downs refereeing community this season.

𝐈𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬 (𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫): Simon Ho - Football Stanthorpe
𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: Reyad Al Nasser
𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: Alana Gollan
𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: Luke Bicknell
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: Tony Watkins

A special thank you to all referees across the Darling Downs who help run our game each week. Your dedication, commitment and passion for football are greatly appreciated. 👏

What does it really take to build a high-performing team? 🚀

We’re excited to welcome Tony Wilson, founder of Performance Lab, as the keynote speaker at the 2026 Queensland Football Convention this October.

Having worked with elite athletes, teams and organisations across Australia and the US, Tony will explore mindset, leadership, culture and resilience — sharing practical tools to help people perform at their best without burning out.

🎟️ Be in the room with Tony: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01lpG30

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐅𝐐𝐏𝐋 𝟑 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 💪

Congrats to all the 2026 award recipients on their outstanding achievements and contributions to the FQPL 3 Darling Downs competition this season.

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: Jayden Richardson - West Wanderers Football Club Inc.
𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: Jayden Richardson - West Wanderers Football Club Inc.
𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐭: Amar Jarullah - St Albans Football Club and Brodie Welch - Willowburn Football Club (15 goals)
𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: David Lawson - St Albans Football Club