Goldfield Ashes cricket competition brings tourism boost to Charters Towers

In the historic gold mining town of Charters Towers, the annual highlight is a story of love, sweat, and beer. The Goldfield Ashes, which began as a small cricket match in 1948, has now grown into the Southern Hemisphere's largest amateur cricket tournament, drawing thousands to the rural North Queensland town and injecting approximately $4 million into the local economy.

This year saw a record number of teams participating from across Queensland and beyond. “There are 266 teams, which is beyond all of our expectations,” said organizer Kellie Furlong. While a few A-grade teams take the competition very seriously, for most players, the three-day event is about much more than just sports. Ross Goodwin has been coming to Charters Towers every year for over four decades to play with the Yabulu Cricket Club.

“The original members were people who worked at the Yabulu nickel mine 50 years ago… we’ve been playing in the Ashes for 45 years,” Mr. Goodwin said. He added, “Originally, it was all guys from Townsville, but now we have people flying in from Perth, we have people from Brisbane, we have people from Sydney, and a good mate of mine used to fly back from Vietnam. It’s a real iconic Australian event, to come to Charters Towers and play cricket, and probably have a beer or two.” Before each competition begins, the teams gather on the field to raise a glass to their departed loved ones, including a former teammate.

“It’s our annual get-together where we can be ourselves, have a good time, and muck around with our mates,” Mr. Goodwin said. With scorching temperatures throughout the weekend, publican Jan Jesberg has been doing a roaring trade. “It’s definitely the busiest weekend of the year,” she said. “It injects money into the economy and sets businesses up for the next 12 months. They can put a bit of money away for a rainy day or when the drought and things get tough.” Ms. Jesberg has flown in staff to cope with the demand. “It’s a really busy weekend, but we never have any trouble – everyone is very respectful… and they’re respectful of the town,” she said. “It’s part of Charters Towers’ identity.”

Mayor Liz Schmidt said the event is a major drawcard for the town. “Sometimes we might get a bit frustrated when there’s a hundred-plus people lined up to get served and usually there’s only three or four, but we understand the economic benefits and the reputational benefits,” she said. “People come, they see what we’re doing, and then they come back.” Accommodation in the town is fully booked, with most beds snapped up a year in advance. Tania Chilton, who runs the Dalrymple Tourist Park, has 13 teams staying at her site and has turned away many more bookings. “People come from everywhere – we have one guy, he books every year, he comes from the States,” Ms. Chilton said. “It’s hard work, it’s tiring, but it’s a great time.”

Ms. Chilton has some reservations about the players spending three days boozing in the sun. “I think it’s crazy, I really do,” she said. The Goldfield Ashes is becoming increasingly popular with young people who are embracing the quintessential country event. Tara Frost is a member of the "Mad Ranchers," a team made up of young men and women who work on cattle stations in Central and North Queensland. “It’s so exciting – I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many station workers in one place,” Ms. Frost said. “We don’t usually go to the clubs in the city – this is our way of socializing.”

“If it’s not the races, the rodeo or the camp draft, it’s events like this.” The cricket is secondary; socializing with friends is the focus, and cold drinks are always within reach. “It’s been so much fun so far, I’m sure we’ll be back next year,” she said.