Council Bids For SA Masters Games
A groundswell of support from community sporting clubs and associations will see Port Pirie Regional Council bid to host the South Australian Masters Games within the next two years.
Port Pirie Regional Council has submitted an Expression of Interest to Sport SA to host the South Australian Masters Games in either 2027 or 2028 (with a preference for 2028). This follows a successful engagement process with local sporting organisations, where approximately 30 sporting codes expressed initial interest in participation and potential partnerships with Council for the event.
The South Australian Masters Games is a major multi-sport event that attracts hundreds of participants from across the state and interstate, delivering economic, social and community benefits to host regions.
Indicative economic modelling suggests the event could generate more than $2 million in direct visitor expenditure, with broader flow-on benefits across accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors.
Deputy Mayor Alan Zubrinich said Council was extremely pleased with the response from the sporting community, which has embraced the opportunity to host the prestigious competition.
“This level of engagement reflects strong local capacity and the strong sense of volunteerism and passion within our community,” he said.
“Hosting the South Australian Masters Games presents an opportunity to increase visitation and regional economic activity, activate local sporting facilities and promote Port Pirie as a regional events destination.”
Port Pirie has a long and proud Masters Games history, having first secured the event in 2000 and hosting a further seven times since, with the most recent being in 2019. The event has attracted several high-profile athletes as ambassadors, including Olympic swimmer Kieran Perkins and Adelaide 36ers basketballers Brett Maher and Mark Davis.