Fans pour support for Queensland farmers at NRL's Magic Round when the bell rings
When the Great Northern beer bell rings out at Suncorp Stadium this weekend, it won’t just signal the start of the NRL’s Magic Round – it will call on fans to rally behind Queensland farmers in need as The Great Shout returns.
Now in its second year, the fundraising initiative officially kicks off tonight at Magic Round’s opening clash, marked by the on-field ringing of the Great Northern beer bell – a ritual calling on fans to raise a schooner, shout a round, and fund vital support for Rural Aid.
For every schooner of Great Northern Super Crisp purchased at Suncorp Stadium this weekend, Great Northern will donate 50 cents directly to Rural Aid.
Queensland State Manager at Great Northern Brewing Co, Ian Giles said that Magic Round weekend presents a fantastic opportunity to rally footy fans behind a meaningful cause.
“Following the strong response last year, we’re marking the return of the initiative in a bigger way with the ringing of the Great Northern beer bell at the Great Northern Precinct Bar outside Suncorp Stadium to officially kick off donations,” Mr Giles said.
“When that bell rings at Magic Round, it’s a reminder of what Aussies do best – shout a round and look after their own. Magic Round brings together passionate fans from all over the country, and it’s the perfect moment to rally that energy in support of farmers who need it most.
Support for farmers will extend well beyond the stadium, with Great Northern providing around 500 kegs of Great Northern Super Crisp to more than 200 pubs and clubs across Queensland. A portion of proceeds from the selected kegs poured at participating venues throughout the weekend will also be donated to Rural Aid, allowing locals to support both their local venue and farmers in need.
In hopes to raise the bar for its second year, The Great Shout is aiming to collect more than $600,000 in donations to help Rural Aid continue their essential work – that’s double the amount raised in 2025.
Those unable to make it to the games or participating pubs and clubs this weekend can still take part by ‘shouting a farmer a beer’ through a $10 online donation to Rural Aid, meaning Aussies right around the country can show their support for farmers up north.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said The Great Shout will raise funds to support Rural Aid’s work in assisting rural Queensland communities affected by flooding, drought and rising costs.
“Farmers across rural Queensland are dealing with recent flooding, ongoing dry conditions and higher input costs, and it’s putting real strain on farm businesses and household budgets,” Mr Warlters said.
“The Great Shout gives Australians a way to support farmers, with donations helping deliver practical assistance to rural communities facing tough conditions.”
When the bell rings, every beer helps. Fans can support Rural Aid by purchasing a Great Northern Super Crisp at Suncorp Stadium or from select kegs at participating venues.
A full list of participating pubs is available at https://greatnorthern.com.au/the-great-shout.
