Suncorp Super Netball will celebrate this season’s Indigenous Round by taking Round 13 to Far North Queensland and playing the league’s first official matches in regional Queensland.
In confirming the final two rounds of the home and away season, the league today revealed that the Collingwood Magpies will host the Sunshine Coast Lightning at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre on Wednesday 16 September to kick off the league’s Indigenous Round.
The remaining three matches will then be played at the Cairns Pop Up Arena, with a double header beginning the Cairns action on Saturday 19 with West Coast Fever taking on GIANTS Netball and the Adelaide Thunderbirds hosting the NSW Swifts.
Then, on Sunday 20 September, the Melbourne Vixens and Queensland Firebirds will close out the round with a final match in Cairns.
In celebration of Indigenous Round, all teams will wear dresses and play with a ball designed by Indigenous artists and cultural activities and performances will take place throughout the round.
Suncorp Super Netball CEO Chris Symington said the league is thrilled to be taking matches to regional Queensland venues, especially during Indigenous Round.
“We know there are many Suncorp Super Netball fans throughout north Queensland who may never have had the opportunity to attend a live match. These fans will now not only be able to enjoy the live action that Suncorp Super Netball brings, but also be part of the unique celebration of Indigenous Round that sees all our teams journey to one region,” he said.
“We thank the Queensland Government for the opportunity to take matches to Far North Queensland and for their ongoing support of the 2020 season. We would also like Townsville City Council and Cairns Regional Council for their assistance in making this round happen in the north.”
Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones said hosting Indigenous Round in North Queensland would provide a boost to the region.
“Major events pump millions of dollars into our economy and support local jobs. That’s why fixtures like these are an important part of the government’s economic recovery plan for the Far North,” Ms Jones said.
“Thanks to the way Queensland has managed this health crisis, we can now reap the benefits of great events like this. Netball has a huge following and now Queensland is home to some of the best players on the planet.”
Suncorp Regional Manager for North Queensland Brendan Jones said the arrival of Suncorp Super Netball in North Queensland is great news for local netball fans and the broader region.
“North Queensland is a region passionate about sport, and the arrival of the league is a way to bring families together and for our young sports fan, especially young girls to be inspired by elite female athletes,” he said.
“This is also a great opportunity to showcase the regions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage – Suncorp has a commitment to reconciliation and we’re proud be part of an exciting week of sport which will bring communities together and reinforce the importance of reconciliation in Australia.”
The league will confirm the scheduling of the 2020 finals series in the coming weeks.
All matches will be aired live on Nine, Telstra TV and the Netball Live Official App.
Artwork © Simone Thomson, Yorta-Yorta/Wurundjeri
Winyar Mugadjina - Women's Track of Foot, 2020
Indigenous Arts Management by Dreamtime Art
