Latest news with #SueLeonard
ABC News
06-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Halls Creek left without football oval for second season as works delayed
One of outback Australia's most talent-laden footballing communities has been left without a safe football ground for a second consecutive season. Halls Creek, 3,000 kilometres north-east of Perth, is home to 3,600 people and has produced more than 10 AFL and AFLW footballers over the past decade. Scouts have flocked to the town's rough-and-tumble oval, where players like Shane McAdam (Melbourne), Jy Farrar (Gold Coast), Ash Johnson (Collingwood) and Sam Petrevski-Seton (Carlton/West Coast) got their first taste of football. But after months of delays to planned works, the oval remains unsafe for football. In a statement posted to the Shire of Halls Creek's Facebook page, chief executive Sue Leonard acknowledged the news was disappointing. "Due to the unfinished nature of the work, the oval cannot be used safely in any capacity," she said. "We acknowledge the delay is a significant setback for local footy teams, junior sports and many community members who rely on the oval as a central gathering and recreation space. "We want to reassure the public that the project has not been abandoned. "We are actively exploring all options to move the works forward." The local competition split from the wider East Kimberley Football League in 2023 due to the staggering travel distances local clubs faced. But the delays have made it hard for the fledgling South East Kimberley Football League to get up and running. The local competition remains a source of pride, fun and community connection in a region facing immense social challenges. Dennis Chungulla coaches the Yardgee Dockers, one of two teams based in Halls Creek, and said the prospect of another year with limited footy was very disappointing. Despite past violent incidents during matches, he said the games were important "family events". "The footballers are upset," he said. Halls Creek Hawks president Trish Mackay said the delay had seen players drift away from the community. "Some might have gone to Fitzroy [Crossing], some have definitely gone to teams in Kununurra," she said. Sport also provides an important outlet for local youths, with Mr Chungulla often bringing in young players considered "at risk" in the wider community. He said he was increasingly concerned about the impact another year without regular organised football would have. "Without activities like these, you have kids roaming around the streets," Mr Chungulla said. Ms Mackay said those who remained were desperate for footy to return. "I've always got to answer: 'Look at the oval, you can't play on that, so we've got no football,'" she said. "Football is a big part of their lives." Mr Chungulla would like to be on the sidelines cheering the players on with their families as soon as possible, but he is not sure when the oval will be ready to host Australian Rules games again. "We'd like to see something moving forward." Mr Chungulla said the delay meant Halls Creek, Yardgee and other community teams would need help getting the competition up and running again. In a social media statement, the Halls Creek Shire said it was engaging with the contractor — the second one since the works started — and could not provide any further details.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tourism up in Chippewa County, across the state
CHIPPEWA FALLS — Tourism in the Chippewa Valley, and across the state, saw an increase in the past year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The state agency released its 2024 economic impact data Tuesday, showing Chippewa County tourism climbed by nearly 5%, which contributed to Wisconsin's third consecutive record-breaking year. 'Chippewa County's $193 million tourism impact and the 4.9% increase over last year's record highlight the area's growing appeal as a destination,' said Sue Leonard, Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce tourism director. 'It's clear that more and more people are discovering what we've always known: this is a special place. Visitors are drawn by our natural beauty, our lively festivals and events, and most of all, the warm welcome they get from our communities.' Eau Claire County also announced it had its third straight year of growth in tourism revenue. The county generated a record $461 million, an increase of 0.6% increase over last year's $459 million. 'The continued growth in tourism spending reflects the incredible momentum we are seeing in Eau Claire County as a must-visit destination,' said Kenzi Havlicek, Visit Eau Claire executive director. 'This progress would not be possible without the collaborative spirit of our community and business partners who help create such a wonderful place to visit. From our thriving arts scene and rich cultural offerings to the scenic beauty of our outdoor spaces, Eau Claire continues to draw thousands of visitors who are discovering all that makes this region so special.' Statewide, all-time high visitation drove Wisconsin tourism's record-breaking $25.8 billion in total economic impact last year. The 2024 economic impact surpassed the previous Wisconsin record of $25 billion from 2023. Locally, Chippewa County also surpassed the previous record of $184 million set in 2023. The boost in visitation, economic contributions from all corners of Wisconsin including Chippewa County, and strategic investments in tourism promotion drove the state's historic year for tourism, Leonard said. 'Our packed calendar of events in 2024, from Wisconsin Farm Technology Days and the Harley Owners Group Rally to the State Dartball Tournament and all kinds of sports tournaments, kept our communities busy,' Leonard said in a press release Tuesday. 'But it's not just about big events. What really makes Chippewa County stand out is the dedication of our tourism partners and the community as a whole. Together, we've created a destination that's vibrant, welcoming, and affordable for everyone.' Leonard noted that the chamber has worked on a social media campaign that stresses the variety of activities available locally, from outdoors options to tours of local breweries and wineries. Wisconsin tourism welcomed 114.4 million visits in 2024, beating the previous record from 2019 by more than a million, and growing the number of part- and full-time jobs the industry supports to 182,000, the press release states. Locally, Chippewa County tourism supported 1,440 jobs (a 2.7% increase from 2023) and generated $11.6 million in state and local tax revenue. At the state level, tourism generated $1.7 billion in state and local tax revenue. Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $678 to maintain the current level of government services. 'Last year, Wisconsin tourism brought in more money, welcomed more visitors and generated more revenue for state and local governments than any other year,' said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. 'Tourism in all corners fueled this hat-trick of records for an accomplishment the entire state can celebrate. The impact of the visitor economy is felt statewide. Tourism sustains livelihoods and local businesses, uplifts communities and powers Wisconsin's economy.'
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tourism up in Chippewa County, across the state
CHIPPEWA FALLS — Tourism in the Chippewa Valley, and across the state, saw an increase in the past year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The state agency released its 2024 economic impact data Tuesday, showing Chippewa County tourism climbed by nearly 5%, which contributed to Wisconsin's third consecutive record-breaking year. 'Chippewa County's $193 million tourism impact and the 4.9% increase over last year's record highlight the area's growing appeal as a destination,' said Sue Leonard, Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce tourism director. 'It's clear that more and more people are discovering what we've always known: this is a special place. Visitors are drawn by our natural beauty, our lively festivals and events, and most of all, the warm welcome they get from our communities.' Eau Claire County also announced it had its third straight year of growth in tourism revenue. The county generated a record $461 million, an increase of 0.6% increase over last year's $459 million. 'The continued growth in tourism spending reflects the incredible momentum we are seeing in Eau Claire County as a must-visit destination,' said Kenzi Havlicek, Visit Eau Claire executive director. 'This progress would not be possible without the collaborative spirit of our community and business partners who help create such a wonderful place to visit. From our thriving arts scene and rich cultural offerings to the scenic beauty of our outdoor spaces, Eau Claire continues to draw thousands of visitors who are discovering all that makes this region so special.' Statewide, all-time high visitation drove Wisconsin tourism's record-breaking $25.8 billion in total economic impact last year. The 2024 economic impact surpassed the previous Wisconsin record of $25 billion from 2023. Locally, Chippewa County also surpassed the previous record of $184 million set in 2023. The boost in visitation, economic contributions from all corners of Wisconsin including Chippewa County, and strategic investments in tourism promotion drove the state's historic year for tourism, Leonard said. 'Our packed calendar of events in 2024, from Wisconsin Farm Technology Days and the Harley Owners Group Rally to the State Dartball Tournament and all kinds of sports tournaments, kept our communities busy,' Leonard said in a press release Tuesday. 'But it's not just about big events. What really makes Chippewa County stand out is the dedication of our tourism partners and the community as a whole. Together, we've created a destination that's vibrant, welcoming, and affordable for everyone.' Leonard noted that the chamber has worked on a social media campaign that stresses the variety of activities available locally, from outdoors options to tours of local breweries and wineries. Wisconsin tourism welcomed 114.4 million visits in 2024, beating the previous record from 2019 by more than a million, and growing the number of part- and full-time jobs the industry supports to 182,000, the press release states. Locally, Chippewa County tourism supported 1,440 jobs (a 2.7% increase from 2023) and generated $11.6 million in state and local tax revenue. At the state level, tourism generated $1.7 billion in state and local tax revenue. Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $678 to maintain the current level of government services. 'Last year, Wisconsin tourism brought in more money, welcomed more visitors and generated more revenue for state and local governments than any other year,' said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. 'Tourism in all corners fueled this hat-trick of records for an accomplishment the entire state can celebrate. The impact of the visitor economy is felt statewide. Tourism sustains livelihoods and local businesses, uplifts communities and powers Wisconsin's economy.'
