THE Victoria Point Sharks Football Club has scored a major victory off the field, taking home three prestigious honours at this year’s Queensland Club Awards for Excellence.
The club was awarded Club of the Year (Medium) and Best Football Club, along with a Silver Award for Best Gaming Venue (Medium), placing it among the leading clubs in Queensland and reinforcing its position as a benchmark for community- focused venues.
The achievement comes as the Sharks celebrate their 60th anniversary, making the recognition even more significant for the long-standing Redlands community club.
Victoria Point Sharks Manager Rhys Faint said the awards reflected the club’s deep connection to the community and the effort staff and volunteers put in every day.
“This club is built on community, and it always has been,” Mr Faint said.
“It’s an incredible achievement and a testament to the staff we have here and the effort they put into service.
“It’s our first club award ever, and particularly welcome on our anniversary year.”
Part of the judging process involved an anonymous mystery shopper assessment, where the club’s bar service, restaurant, and customer service were all judged.
“The report said the club was outstanding for customer service and the staff were engaging,” Mr Faint said.
“And that’s without them knowing who they were serving. This tells me they are welcoming to all our customers.”
Mr Faint said the Best Football Club award recognised the Sharks’ broad sporting and community contribution.
“We have 1500 kids playing AFL here and now we have other sports including softball, cricket, netball, triathlon and fishing,” he said.
“This is another way we give back to the community.”
The Sharks senior side also celebrated a historic milestone last year, winning the 2025 Premiership for the first time.
Beyond sport, the club also supports local groups through initiatives such as providing meat trays that community organisations can raffle at the club and keep the profits.
The silver award for gaming recognised the club’s focus on customer welfare and loyalty programs.
Mr Faint said winning against clubs from across Queensland was a proud moment for the Sharks.
“It puts us on a level with our peers,” he said.
The awards cap off a huge month of celebrations for the club’s 60th anniversary.
The honours also coincide with a month-long celebration of the club’s 60th anniversary, featuring themed promotions and events that recognise its rich history and connection to the local community.
A special 60th anniversary dinner for life members and club officials is also planned, alongside family events including children’s bingo on May 24.
The club traces its origins back to 1966, with its first football game played the following year.
Its first clubhouse was donated by local farmer Barry Kidd in 1973 before being destroyed in storms and rebuilt in 1984.
“We’ve come a long way,” Mr Faint said.
