Allan “Alfie” Langer comes home to The Q

By Jordan Gerrans

There is nothing more Ipswich than rugby league champion Allan “Alfie” Langer, so it makes complete sense for the popular figure to join forces with the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club.

The Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons legend has signed up to be The Q’s inaugural ambassador.

The 59-year-old has a life-long passion for the racing industry and can't wait to spend more time at The Q, which is based just down the road from where he grew up in Ipswich.

The jovial Langer can recall attending greyhound meetings at the old Ipswich Showgrounds track and is loving spending more time at the newly-opened The Q.

“I spoke to the guys at the club about an ambassador role, which I love because it is part of dog racing and certainly, I love being involved in Ipswich,” Langer said.

“I grew up in Ipswich, so being part of that, it's great to give back to the community here, as well.

“Back in the day, I used to go to the Showgrounds and watch the dogs on most Saturday nights. 

"So, to be out here and be involved in what they've done with the facility here, it's pretty special. 

“I spent 18 years of my life here growing up and then I moved to Brisbane after that, so I love being part of Ipswich. It just feels right.

“The Q is doing something special for Ipswich. I grew up here; I love this place and I’m proud to be part of what they’re building.”

The popular sporting figure’s presence will be felt at The Q in the coming weeks with the Allan Langer Australia Day Trophy, which will be a feature race named in his honour, to be held later this month before a legends lunch in early March.

Queensland Greyhound Racing Club CEO Ashley Baker is over the moon to welcome the local icon into the fold at the track.

“Alfie represents everything we value in community, authenticity and a genuine love of sport,” Baker said.

“People light up when he walks in the room. 

"Having him as our ambassador strengthens our mission to welcome everyone through our doors.”

As well as his interest in greyhound racing, Langer has always kept an eye on the gallopers, as well.

The legends lunch in early March will be delivered in partnership with Rugby League Ipswich and the West Moreton Health Foundation.

The legends lunch will raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health across the region.

“Ipswich is growing and this is a fantastic facility,” the rugby league champion said.

“The facility here at The Q, coming out and seeing it, the behind-the-scenes things, it really opens your eyes up. 

“Just having a facility like this in Ipswich, that obviously would mean a lot to the community, having something this kind of grand out here.

“It's amazing. It's doing great, having race meetings every day of the week, so it's pretty special.

“For me, seeing the tracks and what the club's doing, I am happy to put myself behind them.”