Football Queensland is proud to announce Mackay Wanderers FC as the November Club Changer Club of the Month, recognised for their exceptional commitment to developing their volunteers and workforce through strong governance, planning, and a genuine focus on community connection.
2025 has been another standout year for Mackay Wanderers FC, both on and off the pitch.
On field, the club has continued to provide opportunities for players to train and play despite the region’s challenging wet season conditions, often thinking outside the box to ensure football remains accessible. With a strong investment in coach and player development and the integration of Veo technology to support individual growth, Mackay Wanderers are setting a high standard in player pathways.
The club also proudly fielded ‘girls only’ teams in every age group of their junior competition while maintaining strong representation in the FQPL U23 and FQPL 3 Women’s competitions. In another major achievement, Mackay Wanderers hosted 123 teams at their Annual Junior Carnival, welcoming clubs from across Central and Northern Queensland.
Off the field, Wanderers became the first and only club in the region to achieve Tier 2 Development Committed status, a significant milestone reflecting their dedication to continuous improvement. The club also adopted a comprehensive Strategic Plan through to 2032, including plans for a new clubhouse and dressing room facilities, with design drawings completed and a fundraising campaign now underway.
Over the past 24 months, Mackay Wanderers FC have placed a major focus on building a strong, structured and empowered volunteer workforce.
“Each and every committee position required by FQ and our constitution has been filled, with clear role definitions,” explained Club President Greg Kliese.
“Each committee member is empowered to lead their portfolio to promote and develop the club.”
Volunteers have been at the centre of key initiatives this year, including coaching and player development programs, achieving Tier 2 accreditation, and delivering the club’s hallmark Annual Junior Carnival.
The Club Changer program has been instrumental in Mackay Wanderers’ growth journey, providing the tools and structure to achieve their long-term goals.
“The Club Changer program has given Mackay Wanderers the framework required to achieve the goals we’ve set,” said Kliese.
“It has allowed us to take an honest look at how the club operates, make improvements where needed, and identify what good practice looks like.”
When asked what advice he would give to other clubs beginning their Club Changer journey, Kliese encouraged them to embrace the program’s structure.
“Follow the processes it provides, and it will assist you in achieving the outcomes you set.”
The future is bright for Mackay Wanderers FC as they continue to build momentum into 2026 and beyond. Key goals include increasing sponsorship by 50%, implementing a Tier 2 Academy structure and working toward Bronze accreditation, continuing to improve coach qualifications, growing player numbers by 10%, and completing Stage 1 of their new club facilities.
As the club approaches its 103rd anniversary in 2026, Mackay Wanderers remain committed to nurturing a strong football culture built on inclusion, development, and community spirit.
“Mackay Wanderers is proud to be the oldest football club in Mackay and one of the oldest sporting organisations in Queensland,” said Kliese.
“We’ll continue to build a strong culture centred on the enjoyment of football, developing players as people, and creating lifelong bonds within our community.”
If your club is interested in learning more about the Club Changer program, please contact our Club Changer State Program Manager, Sean Kelly, at community@footballqueensland.com.au.
