Gympie came alive on June 10 as thousands of fans flocked to Albert Park for the Queensland Maroons Westpac Fan Day. From footy-mad families to green-shirted schoolkids, the energy on the ground was electric—and East Coast Traffic Control (ECTC) was proud to play a part in keeping the day safe, smooth, and well-managed.
Backed by Gympie Regional Council and Queensland Rugby League (QRL), the fan day brought Origin stars face-to-face with their youngest supporters in one of regional Queensland’s proudest rugby league towns.
Proud to bring fans the footy—safely
With so many young fans, families, media crews, and community groups on-site, safety was always going to be a priority. East Coast Traffic Control was engaged to support access, signage, and crowd flow throughout the precinct—ensuring attendees could enjoy the festivities without disruption.
From early morning bump-in to post-event pack down, the ECTC team worked closely with council officers and event organisers to maintain traffic safety around Albert Park, particularly on the key approach roads and pedestrian entry points.
Our presence was subtle but essential—helping create a safe space for everyone, from pram-pushing parents to TV cameras, all while allowing the fan day to run like clockwork.
A massive day for Gympie’s rugby league community
Gympie holds a special place in Queensland’s footy story. It’s the home region of current Origin forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who played junior footy for the local Devils before rising to the NRL. His roots in Gympie made this year’s fan day all the more meaningful.
On the day, Maroons legends signed autographs, ran junior clinics, and mingled with fans under the Queensland sun. A sea of maroon filled Albert Park, and kids from clubs and schools right across the region had a chance to rub shoulders with their heroes.
Maroons coach Billy Slater summed it up best: “These events have a real impact—not just on the day, but for years to come. They show young kids that they’re part of the story.”
Gympie Regional Council a key partner
This year’s fan day was made possible through the leadership of Gympie Regional Council, who worked hand-in-hand with the QRL and sponsors like Westpac to bring the event to life.
Mayor Glen Hartwig said the event was a chance to showcase the best of Gympie: its community spirit, strong junior footy clubs, and resilience after the challenges of recent years.
“These events draw thousands each year,” he said, “and being selected is not only an honour—it’s a chance to deliver a real economic boost for local businesses.”
ECTC would like to thank the Council for its professionalism, foresight, and collaborative approach in delivering a safe, welcoming event.
Behind the scenes with ECTC
While the spotlight was on the players, fans, and local kids, we’d be remiss not to give a quiet shout-out to the ECTC team on the ground.
From early setup with our Toyota Hilux units, loaded with signs and barriers, to real-time monitoring of crowd movement and traffic access points, the crew brought their A-game.
Whether it was managing a temporary stop-and-go on the nearby roads or helping redirect pedestrian flows around busy media spots, our team did what we always do: kept people safe, without fuss.
These kinds of high-traffic, high-visibility events show why professional traffic control matters—and why we love being part of regional Queensland’s biggest community days.
More than just a photo op—this was legacy work
The Queensland Maroons Fan Day wasn’t just a footy event. It was a reminder of how sport, community, and culture intersect—especially in regions like Gympie.
Junior participation is growing, women’s teams are back, and clubs like the Gympie Devils are looking to rejoin higher-level competitions. Bringing Origin stars to their home ground gives that journey a shot in the arm.
It also reminded us that while we might be the ones setting up signs and managing flow, we’re part of something bigger—keeping the wheels turning so community events can thrive.
A final thanks
To Gympie Regional Council, the QRL, Westpac, the Devils club, and everyone who showed up to celebrate Queensland footy—we say thank you.
It was an honour to support this event and play a small but important role in a massive day for the Gympie community.
FAQs
What was the purpose of the Maroons Fan Day in Gympie?
The event gave local fans the chance to meet the Queensland Maroons ahead of Game II in the State of Origin series. It also promoted junior rugby league participation and celebrated Gympie’s proud footy roots.
Where was the event held?
Albert Park, Gympie—home ground of the Gympie Devils junior and senior rugby league teams.
What did East Coast Traffic Control do on the day?
ECTC supported traffic and crowd management, helped secure pedestrian access zones, and provided professional signage and control equipment throughout the day.
Who organised the event?
The event was delivered by the QRL and Gympie Regional Council, with support from sponsors including Westpac, Puma, and XXXX.
How many people attended?
Thousands of fans turned out, including local schools, clubs, community leaders, and families.
