Townsville Fire program empowers and inspires North Queensland youth
Young people from across North Queensland have built confidence, developed leadership skills, and strengthened community connections through the 2026 IgniteHER and Ignite the Dream programs, delivered by Townsville Fire with support from the Queensland Government.
Held in Townsville during the school holidays, the programs used basketball to support personal growth, resilience, and positive life outcomes for young people aged 10 to 17. Through on-court training, mentoring, and personal development activities, participants were encouraged to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and pursue their goals on and off the court.
Across the two programs, more than 100 young people took part in activities designed to build self-belief, leadership, and teamwork. Participants learned from Townsville Fire players, coaches, and mentors while gaining valuable life skills to support their future aspirations.
IgniteHER provided a safe, supportive environment for at-risk young women to build self-confidence, deepen their understanding of respectful relationships, and form meaningful connections with peers and mentors. Through basketball activities, leadership development, and facilitated discussions, participants were empowered to recognise their strengths and create positive pathways for the future.
Ignite the Dream allowed aspiring young basketballers to enhance their skills on the court while attending sessions on mental health, team building, leadership, media, culture and goal setting. The program encouraged participants to think beyond the game and explore how commitment, resilience, and teamwork support success in all areas of life.
The Queensland Government partnership with Townsville Fire has supported initiatives that use sport to empower, inspire and connect young people across North Queensland. Townsville Fire have delivered youth engagement activities including school visits, leadership workshops, camps and mentoring opportunities designed to create positive outcomes for young people and their communities.
Since the partnership began in 2024, thousands of young Queenslanders have participated in Townsville Fire's community programs, demonstrating the power of sport to improve confidence, wellbeing, leadership and community connection.
IgniteHER and Ignite the Dream have left a lasting legacy for young people across North Queensland, providing experiences, skills and support that will continue to benefit participants long after the programs have finished.
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