Mackay was the heart of Queensland netball last weekend, as the Netball Queensland Board held its regional meeting in the lead-up to Round 3 of the Ruby North competition at the Mackay Multi-Sports Stadium.
The action-packed weekend brought together elite competition, community connection, and a shared vision for the future of regional netball.
Leanne Coddington, Chair of Netball Queensland, said the board’s visit to Mackay underscored how important it is to bring elite-level netball into the regions.
“It’s wonderful to be here in Mackay over this weekend to bring the Netball Queensland board into region,” Ms Coddington said.
“It’s really important to us, and this is the third year in a row that we have visited regional Queensland after Townsville and Toowoomba last year.
“To coincide our visit with the third round of the Ruby North competition is so exciting as well. I must thank Council very, very much for the support of the Monarchs team being included in that competition. It’s invaluable to have Council support.
“This competition is really important for regional athletes to be able to stay in region and perform at an elite level and progress their careers. And it’s not just for the players. There’s opportunities for coaching development, as well as umpires to get that experience too.”
She added that showcasing elite-level netball locally helps inspire the next generation.
“We can see that with Super Netball and how important it is for young players to look up to those athletes and see the potential and the opportunity.
“But I think the most important thing with Ruby North is that players get to stay at home. They get to stay in region, with their families, but also get the experience of playing.”
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson welcomed the visiting board and celebrated the opportunity Ruby North brings to local talent and facilities.
“We’ve got approximately 1,700 registered players in netball now in our region,” he said.
“That’s a significant sport and we punch way above our weight when it comes to these sorts of sports.
“It’s great to have Ruby North back and it’s great to have the Monarchs in the Ruby North competition.
“It’s about giving that pathway for young people who want to get into really serious sport, and this is a great pathway.”
Kate Davies, CEO of Netball Queensland, said netball is thriving in Mackay thanks to grassroots passion and strong regional partnerships.
“Netball is such a great sport. It’s for all ages, it’s for all abilities. It’s for fun, for social, but there’s also some great competitive elements as well,” she said.
“We’ve seen netball in Mackay growing.
“I really want to acknowledge the incredible efforts of Mackay Netball Association, the club administration and the volunteers that support this club, they’re the reason why we’re seeing netball grow in this region.”
Davies also highlighted the role of BHP and BMA, founding partners of the Queensland Futures Academy, in helping develop homegrown elite athletes.
“That partnership means that we have academy players here in Mackay who can stay and live and train and be coached here in their hometown before they have to leave for the big smoke, if they want to take their netball career further.”
Local player Shaylah Pursehouse, who has been playing for over a decade, said being part of the Mackay netball community has been an empowering journey.
“I’ve been playing for at least 10 years…since I was seven or eight years old,” Shaylah said.
“It’s a really great sport because it’s just such a good community, especially in Mackay.”
“You make new friends, older, younger – it’s very engaging, you get fit, and there’s so many benefits.”
She said staying regional hasn’t held her back, in fact, it’s added value.
“Regional is really important, I find. Compared to the big cities, it’s just much more one-on-one, and it pushes you to work harder.”
With two undefeated teams heading into the round, the crowd turnout at Mackay’s home court was strong, proving that netball is not only growing in the region, but thriving.
Netball Queensland’s board visit and Ruby North Round 3 turned Mackay into a regional netball powerhouse last weekend, celebrating local talent, elite competition, and strong community support. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
