HOME GROWN: ZARA AIMING HIGH ON THE NETBALL COURT

Big sporting dreams don’t always begin in big stadiums.

For young Whitsunday netballer Zara Morrison, they began on local courts, playing the sport she loves and steadily challenging herself to take the next step.

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Zara has been playing netball since 2019, beginning in Sarina where she represented both club and representative teams until her family moved to the Whitsundays in 2024.

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She continued her development with the Whitsunday Netball Association and enjoyed a standout 2025 season when the WNA team competed in Mackay Netball Association competitions.

The team went on to win the premiership, with Zara also recognised as Best and Fairest for her division.

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But rather than staying in her comfort zone, this year Zara decided she wanted to test herself at another level.

She trialled for the Mackay Monarchs representative program and earned selection, while also juggling club netball in Mackay and the ladies season back home in the Whitsundays, where she was voted Players’ Player for her team.

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Her development hasn’t been limited to playing either.

Zara has worked hard on her umpiring and this year achieved her C Badge at a Queensland state event, adding another dimension to her involvement in the sport.

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Her next goal is to continue improving within the Mackay representative pathway and work towards selection in State Titles teams over the next two years.

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said Zara’s story was another example of the talented young athletes developing across the region.

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“Zara has already achieved plenty, but what stands out is that she keeps looking for the next challenge and putting herself outside her comfort zone,” Mayor Collins said.

“That willingness to have a crack, work hard and keep improving is exactly what our Home Grown campaign is about.

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“We want our young people to see that coming from a regional community doesn’t put a limit on how big you can dream.”

While netball is not currently part of the Olympic program, there is hope within the sport that it could feature at a future Games, including Brisbane 2032.

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Mayor Collins said that possibility added another exciting dimension for young regional netballers growing up with a home Games on the horizon.

“We don’t know what the Brisbane 2032 sporting program will ultimately look like, but how exciting would it be for young netballers across Queensland if their sport was part of it,” he said.

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“For us, 2032 is bigger than the few weeks of Olympic and Paralympic competition.

“The opportunity is to use the Games to get more young people involved in sport, improve facilities and pathways and show kids across the Whitsundays what is possible.

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“Whether Zara’s journey ultimately takes her to State level, national competition or somewhere she hasn’t even imagined yet, she is already showing that big sporting ambitions can start right here at home.”

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Zara Morrison joins Council’s Home Grown: Future Olympians campaign celebrating young Whitsunday athletes, their families, coaches, clubs and volunteers who help turn sporting ambitions into opportunities.

Because big sporting dreams don’t have to start on the Olympic stage.

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They can start right here in the Whitsundays.

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