DIAMONDS AND STARS TO SHINE FOR BUSHFIRE VICTIMS

AUSTRALIA’s number-one-ranked Diamonds will clash with a Suncorp Super Netball All Star team to raise funds for those impacted by the nation’s bushfire crisis.

The unprecedented game will be staged on March 1 in Sydney and is the centrepiece of a range of relief and recovery initiatives announced today.

Netball’s bushfire crisis response is designed to provide emergency relief for affected communities as well as longer-term efforts to rebuild Netball facilities destroyed or damaged by the fires.

Other initiatives include;

• Dedication of funds from the Suncorp Super Netball pre-season competition, the Suncorp Team Girls Cup, to rebuilding efforts.
• Netball’s elite athletes have agreed to donate a day outside of their contracted requirements to work with Netball Australia, member organisations and/or Suncorp Super Netball clubs on relief and recovery initiatives. Netball Australia staff will do the same.
• The annual Give for a Goal initiative coordinated by the Confident Girls Foundation will run throughout 2020 and will raise funds through a range of netball events and competitions including Suncorp Super Netball and this year’s International Test Series.
• Netball Australia’s member organisations work closely with communities to understand the impact of the disaster and how Netball Australia can best support the recovery effort.

For those who wish to make a direct donation to rebuild damaged or destroyed Netball facilities, the Confident Girls Foundation Bushfire Appeal can be found here 

Donations for broader bushfire relief and recovery can be made via the Red Cross here 

Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner has acknowledged that the entire Australian netball community has rallied to support those in need.

“The bushfires that have ravaged large parts of Australia over the past few months have been truly devastating, and netball is committed to providing both immediate and sustained relief for bushfire-affected communities,” she said.

“The Australian netball community has a wonderful resilience and determination. We’ll do everything we can to assist both the broader Australian community and also grassroots netball-specific recovery efforts around the country.”

Australian Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett said she was thrilled to be bringing her team together for such a good cause.

“Our entire squad has seen these devastating events unfold over the past few months and our hearts go out to those affected. As a group, we’re eager to do anything possible to help and looking forward to getting out there in front of a packed house in Sydney.”

Further details of the Diamonds-SSN All Stars match, to be held at Qudos Bank Arena, and other bushfire relief initiatives will be announced soon.