EsportsAble Townsville!

On 27 and 28 September, James Cook University Townsville was transformed into a high-energy esports arena. The event was a success, with strong support from local teens and from our key stakeholders, including local community groups, QDN, headspace, Community Gro, and the Townsville Council Library. The event was a true celebration of connection, creativity, and competition.

The XR experience proved to be a major highlight, drawing kids in throughout the day and keeping them fully engaged.

Competition was fierce, with the grand final coming down to two standout teams – The Six and the Vibranium Titans. After a hard-fought series, it was the Vibranium Titans who ultimately claimed victory and were crowned champions of the day.

🚀 What Was On Offer

• High-stakes competitions in crowd favourites Rocket League and Marvel Rivals.

• Exclusive opportunity for Townsville residents under 18, giving local players a stage to shine — and the chance to progress to the QLD State Championship.

• Volunteer opportunities in event management, marketing, and live broadcasting, where young people built real-world skills.

• Free EsportsAble Academy access, with live coaching from professional players and industry mentors.

• Immersive Tech Zone: QUT’s cutting-edge AR demos and the interactive NBN Virtual Reality experience wowed participants all day long.

• Fan Art Awards, promoting creativity and wellbeing.

• Plenty of prizes and merch for players and spectators, plus free lunch for all (thanks to our pizza and Subway spread!).

• A grand prize: an all-expenses-paid trip to Brisbane for the QLD EsportsAble State Championship.

• Dedicated support from a QDN EsportsAble Academy mentor, ensuring accessibility and inclusion for young people with disability.

🏆 Event Highlights

• The XR zone was a huge hit, with kids lining up and using it all day.

• Competition was fierce, with the final showdown between The Six and the Vibranium Titans. After hard-fought games, the Vibranium Titans were crowned champions of the day.

• Community spirit was on full display, with volunteers, mentors, and families cheering on every match.

🧠 Why It Matters

This event wasn’t just about winning. It was about creating a safe, inclusive environment where young people could build confidence, connect with peers, and explore new opportunities. Whether players were seasoned competitors or brand new to esports, the weekend offered fun, friendship, and a glimpse into the future of digital engagement.

Local Support Spotlight 🌱

headspace Townsville
📍 2-14 Sporting Drive, Thuringowa Central, QLD 4817
🕒 Mon & Tue: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm | Wed: open until 7:00 pm | Thu & Fri: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
📞 (07) 4799 1799 | ✉️ headspace.townsville@stride.com.au

headspace Townsville supports young people aged 12–25 through four key areas:

• Mental health

• Physical health (including sexual health)

• Alcohol and other drugs

• Work and study support

Operated by Stride Mental Health, headspace Townsville was proud to be part of EsportsAble, helping create a safe, supportive space for local youth.

Community Gro

Community Gro (including their Garbutt and Upper Ross centres) is a vital local organisation supporting families, youth and community wellbeing in Townsville’s western suburbs. Community Gro was a natural supporter in the EsportsAble Townsville event — contributing local networks, outreach, youth engagement channels, and credibility in the region.

They run youth hubs for 8–17-year-olds, after-hours programs, social supports and referral services. Their “Linking to Schools” project is focused on improving school engagement and attendance in the Garbutt, Aitkenvale, Heatley, West End, Currajong, Gulliver, and Vincent areas.

📍 4 Hugh Street, Garbutt, Queensland 4814

🕒 Week days 9 AM Open · Closes 4 PM · hours

📞 (07) 4779 7268

Townsville City Libraries (Townsville Council Libraries)

Townsville City libraries, operated by the Townsville City Council, is a cornerstone community resource supporting literacy, learning, creativity, and digital inclusion throughout the region.

As trusted community institutions, Townsville’s libraries were central to the success of the EsportsAble Townsville event. Their strong networks and daily engagement with local residents helped amplify awareness and bring new audiences into the space. The libraries’ creative and multimedia facilities perfectly complemented the event’s immersive AR/VR demonstrations, hands-on badge-making, and the showcase of a 3D-printed Iron Man helmet that captured the imagination of young participants throughout the day. Through this linkage, the libraries strengthened the sense of community connection and provided a bridge between traditional learning spaces and emerging digital futures.