Everleigh Sports Park in Queensland has claimed a national honour, taking home the Australian Football League’s Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Award for 2024.
Since its inception in 2019, the award recognises best practice in community football facility development across Australia, along with the people, clubs and other stakeholders driving the best projects.
Home of the Greenbank Giants Junior Footy Club, the new $16 million state of the art Everleigh Sports Park in the City of Logan, will help cater for the rapid growth of Australian football and population increases in the area.
The venue now boasts an MCG-sized AFL oval and junior field with four gender-neutral player changerooms, a gender-neutral umpire changeroom, first aid rooms, a club room, broadcast facility, spectator amenities, and a café.
The Brisbane Lions have used the ground as an elite training venue and local residents have access to the oval for their sporting and recreational needs. The oval lies at the centre of a growing residential community and complements the estate’s aesthetics.
The project was successfully delivered due to a coordinated effort between federal, state, and local governments, along with private sector involvement from Mirvac and AFL Queensland’s Grand Final Facility Fund.
The AFL development exemplifies successful collaboration, effective governance, and a focus on community engagement. It sets a benchmark for future projects and will continue to foster pride and support for the local AFL community in Everleigh.
The AFL congratulates all the national finalists and state and territory winners for 2024:
- QLD – Everleigh Sports Park – National Winner
- NSW/ACT – Oakes Oval Upgrade
- NT – Nightcliff Middle School Upgrade
- SA – Tanunda Recreation Park Redevelopment
- TAS – Circular Head Recreation Ground Drainage Upgrades
- VIC – Clyde Recreation Reserve Redevelopment
- WA – Dayton District Open Space
Click here to read case studies for winning state and territory projects
AFL Head of Venue Network Enhancements and Partnerships, Shayne Ward congratulated everyone involved in the Everleigh Sports Park, along with all the national finalists.
“On behalf of the AFL I’d like to congratulate the Everleigh Sports Park project team for claiming the Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Award for 2024, as well as all the finalists who took home their state and territory titles,” Ward said.
“The new facility in Logan exceeds expectations set out in our AFL’s Preferred Facility Guidelines, ensuring long-term sustainability, high functionality, community value and visibility.
“Everleigh Sports Park will not only help aid the growth of Australian footy in the region, but it will become a focal point in the community, providing modern and inclusive facilities to ensure local clubs continue to thrive.
“Last year we had a record number of new grounds come online for use by our sport, reaching more than 500 new ovals since AFLW began in 2017. Facility upgrades are vital to help support the significant participation growth we’re striving for each year as we aim to reach one million participants by 2033.”
Head of AFL Queensland and International, Trisha Squires said Everleigh Sports Park plays a crucial role in the growth of the game in Queensland.
“We are thrilled a Queensland facility has been recognised with such a prestigious national award.
“Participation in our sport is rapidly growing in Queensland, and it is integral that our facilities keep pace to sustain this growth.
“Everleigh Sports Park lies in our western corridor, which has experienced a significant boom in participants over the past three years. Since 2021, NAB AFL Auskick has grown by 173 per cent, female participation has increased by 192 per cent and community football has increased by 120 per cent. Currently more than 2,500 people in the region play our game.
“The versatility of this venue caters to the diverse needs of our players, coaches, umpires and volunteers and will support further growth in the region.
“I would like to thank the City of Logan, Mirvac and the State and Federal governments for their support and collaboration on this project."
Federal Member for Wright, the Hon. Scott Buchholz MP said he was thrilled to see Everleigh Sports Park receive the recognition it deserves with this prestigious national facilities award from the AFL.
“This is a first-class, modern facility that sets a new benchmark for community sport infrastructure in new and growing suburbs like Everleigh. It’s fresh, it’s functional, and it’s built for the future, exactly what our growing region needs.
“The communities in and around Everleigh are expanding rapidly, and quality infrastructure like this plays a critical role in building connection, promoting active lifestyles, and supporting young talent.
“This award is a testament to the forward-thinking investment and design that went into the park, and it’s great to see our region being acknowledged on the national stage for leading the way.
“Congratulations to everyone involved, this is a win for our community, and a great sign of what’s to come for the wider Logan region.”
The Honourable Tim Mander, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games said the nation-leading facility would be a drawcard for new participants.
“We want to see more people joining clubs, playing sport and fulfilling their own sporting goals, and outstanding facilities like this allow that to happen,” said Minister Mander.
“The road to 2032 will be paved with new infrastructure and opportunities across the state that will be defined in a new 10-year sport strategy that is up for public consultation until 15 June, so I encourage people to have your say on what 2032 means for you at sport.qld.gov.au.
“This project will leave a lasting sporting legacy for Logan and shows what is possible when everyone works together for a common purpose.”
Linus Power, Member for Logan said this award was a proud moment for the Logan community.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, vision, and dedication of everyone involved – from club volunteers to council, state government and other supporters. Facilities like this don’t just support our local AFL teams – they bring people together, encourage healthy lifestyles, and build the strong community spirit.”
City of Logan Mayor Jon Raven said Everleigh Sports Park demonstrated what could be achieved when growing communities work together.
“This state-of-the-art facility has set a benchmark for the City of Logan, which is the fastest growing city in Queensland,” Mayor Raven said.
“The Greenbank Giants love their amazing new home, and the City of Logan is proud to be a delivery partner for such a significant piece of sports and community infrastructure.
“The club house, change rooms and cafe area game changer for this area, and deserving of the national recognition that this award brings.”
Mirvac’s Development Director for Masterplanned Communities in Queensland, Mark Clancy said the company was incredibly proud to have delivered Everleigh Sports Park as part of the Everleigh residential masterplanned community.
"Being recognised with the Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Award for 2024 is a huge honour and a testament to the power of collaboration between all levels of government and the private sector.
“At Mirvac, we are committed to creating places that not only enhance the built environment but also foster strong community connections. Everleigh Sports Park is a prime example of how thoughtful design can deliver lasting impact — providing a modern sports precinct that will benefit the growing community for years to come.”
For more information about facility development and management in Australian Rules Football, visit the AFL’s Facility Management hub on play.afl: https://play.afl/clubhelp/resources/facility-management
