Thousands of netballers from across Australia will descend on the Sunshine Coast from tomorrow for NetFest, the country’s biggest netball festival.
The four-day event runs until Sunday and is returning to the Sunshine Coast for the second consecutive year, taking place at the iconic Mooloolaba Beach and Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex.
A key fixture on the netball calendar and in its 9th year, NetFest is netball’s mass participation event which involves more than 2,000 local, interstate and international players competing in traditional netball, Fast5 matches and beach netball.
It is also a celebration of netball and the social and community spirit of the game, with DJs, celebrity netball matches, food trucks and official parties scheduled.
Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner says the organisation is delighted to be bringing NetFest back to the Sunshine Coast.
“Each year we see NetFest becoming bigger and more vibrant than ever and the Sunshine Coast is the perfect location for the event – with the sun, sand and beach, it’s hard not to have a good time,” she said.
“We thank the Sunshine Coast Council and Tourism and Events QLD for their ongoing support of this event and look forward to seeing thousands of netball-lovers descend on the Sunny Coast this weekend.”
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said NetFest would drive thousands of people to the region over four days.
“NetFest will showcase the Sunshine Coast to netball fans from around the country, filling our hotel rooms, boosting the local economy and supporting local jobs,” she said.
“Last year this event delivered 11,386 visitor nights and $2.4 million for the local economy.
“The Sunshine Coast provides the perfect backdrop to host this event, with participants, officials and their friends and family able to enjoy our world-class tourism offerings before, during and after their stay.”
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said he was delighted to welcome competitors, their friends and families back to the Sunshine Coast.
“Our Council is proud to sponsor and host such a popular event in our healthy, smart, creative region,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Netball has become a big part of our thriving community as a result of the amazing success of our Sunshine Coast Lightning – who are arguably the most successful start-up club in the history of Australian sport.
“The Lightning are a group of exceptional role models and ambassadors for our community and it is great to see so many players picking up the ball to follow in their idols’ footsteps and take to the court.
“Our wonderful facilities at the Maroochydore Multi Sport Complex, which has recently undergone a significant upgrade; the beach courts at beautiful Mooloolaba; our welcoming community that embraces sporting events like this one; and our fantastic spring weather are sure to make this a week to remember.”
For more information - https://netfest.com.au/
