Breaking New Ground

The Iona Leadership Team was pleased to announce today that an exciting new era for Aussie rules at Iona College begins in 2025, with an historic new partnership with the AFL delivering floodlights to St Eugene’s Park.

This major investment in the code at Iona is part of a Queensland-first partnership with the AFL to increase Aussie rules infrastructure in schools.

Iona College is the first school in the state to partner with AFL Queensland through the  'Breaking New Ground’ program which assists with the planning, design, and development of Australian football facilities at schools and other innovative locations. 

This project will see the installation of lights over the MCG sized oval for the use of the school and the local AFL community, allowing for this great space to be utilised for longer every day.

Today’s announcement comes after Iona earlier this week unveiled an all-star AFL First XVIII coaching roster comprising of former Brisbane Lions captain Tom Rockliff and ex-North Melbourne star Leigh Harding ahead of the new AFL season.

Iona College Principal Trevor Goodwin said the partnership with AFL Queensland and the installation of the lights would be a boost for the College’s students and families, as well as the local community.

“Community is at the heart of everything we do at Iona, and our wonderful relationship with AFL Queensland has now grown into a true partnership through the Breaking New Ground’ program,” Mr Goodwin said.

“This partnership is the result of a lot of hard work from both sides. The end result is not only a first for schools in Queensland, but supports the growth of the game and greater opportunities for our students and the local community.

“Iona is delighted to be at the forefront of this initiative, and very proud of our strong relationship with the AFL to deliver this project for our community.”

Head of AFL Queensland Trisha Squires said Iona was a perfect choice for the first breaking new ground project.

“Iona is fortunate to have such incredible facilities and expansive fields for their sporting teams, and their commitment to Australian rules football can be seen by the fact their main footy oval – St Eugene’s Park – was designed deliberately to be the exact same dimensions as the MCG,” Mrs Squires said.

“Iona is also very committed to their community and has great existing relationships with the local community Australian rules football clubs and has been the host venue for matches in the Queensland Wheelchair Football League, including QClash games between the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS.

“Iona College has been fantastic to work with in establishing a partnership for this project and we are grateful for the funding provided through the AFL Queensland Grand Final Facilities Fund.”

The AFL Queensland Grand Final Facilities Fund is an $8 million partnership between the Queensland Government and the AFL, which is part of the legacy of hosting the historic 2020 AFL Grand Final at the Gabba.

P&F Meeting

The first Parents & Friends Meeting for 2025 will take place on Monday, 3 February, in the Heritage Room, starting at the earlier time of 5:30pm. This earlier meeting time allows attendees to also join the Paul Dillon Parent Information Evening, which begins at 7pm in IPAC.

Everyone is welcome to attend, especially new families.

If you’re unable to attend in person, you can still join us via Microsoft Teams. The link will be available on Compass by Monday afternoon.

We hope you can join us, either in person or online, to connect with other families and be part of the Iona community.