Netball strikes historic partnership for Queensland sport

Published Friday, 20 September, 2019 at 08:56 AM

Minister for Housing and Public Works, Minister for Digital Technology and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Mick de Brenni

More Queenslanders will get the opportunity to be active under a new Queensland Government partnership with Netball Queensland.

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said the first of many historic partnerships with state-level sport and recreation organisations as part of the new Active Industry Fund had been struck with the code.

“Our standout Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning have been history makers and now Netball Queensland and the Palaszczuk Government are making history together.

“It’s an important symbol to Queenslanders, especially women and girls, that netball will be the first sport to join forces with us under this new approach.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to working with industry to ensure high quality and inclusive participation opportunities exist for more Queenslanders to be active,” Mr de Brenni said.

“The Active Industry Fund is a new way of focusing on collaborative partnerships that achieve the greatest benefit for all Queenslanders – regardless of gender, age, ability or location.

“Queenslanders are already keen netball fans and this partnership will enable even more people to take to the court.

“Netball Queensland will be financially supported to engage Queenslanders who may not have traditionally been involved in the sport, including seniors through Walking Netball.

“A new operating model will also deliver efficiencies for netball associations across the state, helping to support local clubs and players.

“The partnership will foster collaboration across industry and government to develop joint initiatives, helping to maximise investment to create a more active and healthier Queensland.”

Netball Queensland CEO Catherine Clark said Netball Queensland is proud to be one of the six sports piloting the new investment framework.

“Today’s announcement is a commitment to work collaboratively on inclusion-focused programs such as Diamond Spirit, targeting Indigenous girls, as well as seniors-focussed Walking Netball, that is ensuring our sport continues to build its capability and capacity,” she said.

“In a community where 98% of our members are female, we are delighted to see this Government taking steps towards gender equality, from the boardroom to equal pay for athletes.”

Mr de Brenni said the partnership with Netball Queensland is one of the ways the Queensland Government is collaborating with industry to achieve the goals of the Activate! Queensland strategy.

“This strategy aims to enrich the lives of all Queenslanders through physical activity and provide more opportunities for Queenslanders of all ages and abilities to be physically active,” he said.

“We recognise that establishing partnerships with the active industry will be key to directing funding to where it is most needed.

“The $32 million, three-year Active Industry Fund will see continued support for the industry, including a first tranche of partnerships developed between six sporting bodies from rugby league, Aussie rules, cricket, netball, tennis and surfing.

“Incentivised funding arrangements will ensure our shared goals are achieved, such as gender equity and quality opportunities for all.”

Activate! Queensland is a $1.3 billion strategy over 10 years to encourage all levels of community participation whilst also supporting elite athletes and world-class venues.

Since 2015, the Queensland Government has committed $13.3 million to grassroots netball programs across the state.

The Queensland Government also invested $34 million in the Queensland State Netball Centre, home of the Queensland Firebirds, and provided $7 million for the University of Sunshine Coast Stadium, home of the Sunshine Coast Lightning.

[ENDS]

20 Sep 2019

Media contact: Rosie Gilbert – 0466 834 330