More than 2,500* netballers are expected to converge on the Sunshine Coast for Australia’s biggest netball festival from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th November.
NetFest brings together netballers of all levels to play traditional netball, beach netball and Fast5. There are female social and female competitive divisions, as well as mixed divisions for each competition.
Outside of the netball matches, it is four days of fun with participants able to enjoy the Netball All Stars match on Mooloolaba Beach, a family fun day and a party with former Australian Diamonds Cath Cox and Sharelle McMahon and Suncorp Super Netball commentator Sue Gaudion.
Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner said it’s exciting that the 10th anniversary of NetFest will be held on the Sunshine Coast.
“From humble beginnings back in 2011, NetFest has grown into Australia’s biggest netball festival, and we’re thrilled to be bringing the netball nation together in what is unusual times,” she said.
“This is the 3rd year that NetFest will be hosted on the Sunshine Coast and we thank the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland and the Sunshine Coast Council for their support in helping Netball deliver this fantastic event in one of Australia’s most beautiful locations.”
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said events like NetFest would play an important role in the state’s economic recovery.
“Events like this pump thousands of dollars back into the local businesses, support local jobs and help to rebuild our economy,” Ms Jones said.
“This event will deliver a great boost for local businesses at a time when everyone is doing it tough. The Sunshine Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit and NetFest gives visitors another reason to book a trip.
“The Palaszczuk Government has a plan to rebuild our economy and create local jobs. Events like this that support local businesses and local jobs are crucial to that strategy.”
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the return of NetFest this year was a testament to the success of the NetFest 2018 and 2019 events held on the Sunshine Coast.
“The Sunshine Coast loves netball and this can be seen in the way in which our community has embraced our Sunshine Coast Lightning,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“With our fantastic facilities, wonderful weather and welcoming community, we are the perfect destination for major sporting events like this and can do so safely and in compliance with the measures in place in response to COVID-19.
“Last year’s NetFest was an outstanding success at the Maroochydore Multi-Sports Complex and on Mooloolaba Beach and to have the opportunity to host this four-day event for a third consecutive year is terrific recognition from Netball Australia.”
Visit netfest.com.au for all the details and to register your team.
*Permitted under the event’s COVID-safe plan