Oztag

Win Fowles introduced our guest speakers from Oztag: Brendon Powles the Chairman and Warren Hughes the Business manager. Brendon gave a summary of the expansion of this more regulatory version of Tag Football with rules closer to Rugby Union but without physical contact hence of great appeal to a wide age range and both genders. This game has expanded amazingly over the last 5 years with a current growth rate in the junior ranks of >40%/yr. Senior and State Level players are likewise growing strongly. Currently 100,000 players Australia wide with >30,000 in Queensland.

The 2015 National Championships are to be played in Stockland Stadium with >10,000 participants (players and supporters) coming. This is expected to inject approx $2.5M into the local economy as >80% will be from outside the coastal area. The game coverage is to all ages from lower primary upwards also into Aboriginal communities, people with disabilities and to correctional services institutions. Warren explained the business model which involves attracting business by providing a potential retail customer base through offering a rewards program called 50/10. This gives discounts to shoppers from which customer nominated charities gain a small percentage of the profit of sale. Through sophisticated tracking of purchases the businesses involved get demographic data, increased exposure and their payments to 50/10 are linked to monthly sales figures so no upfront payments for membership to the system. Although in it’s initial stages, the scheme is gaining wider coverage and expected to go National in the nearish future. For more information visit www.oztag.com.au.