BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and Netball Queensland have renewed their partnership for a further two years, extending an agreement that is helping regional Queensland athletes pursue their netball ambitions closer to home.
The extension takes the partnership through to 2028, with BMA continuing as an Official Partner of Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds, and Foundation Partner of the Queensland Firebirds Academy.
Since the partnership began in 2024, over 1,000 participants have engaged in clinics and workshops, with more than 20 engagements delivered in regional communities across Queensland through activities including netball clinics, childcare visits and school visits.
A central focus of the partnership is the Queensland Firebirds Academy regional intake, which provides talented athletes, umpires and coaches with access to high-quality development opportunities while remaining in their home communities.
With academy locations in Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns, regional residents can continue their development closer to their families, schools and local netball communities.
The renewed partnership will also introduce an annual talent combine in Mackay, where regional academy athletes can be coached and assessed by Netball Queensland High-Performance staff, as well as working closely with netball associations across the Bowen Basin and Mackay to deliver tailored development activities based on local needs.
“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with BMA for a further two years,” Netball Queensland and Queensland Firebirds Chief Executive Kate Davies said.
“Together we share a belief that talented young Queenslanders shouldn’t have to leave home to chase their dreams, whether that’s on the netball court or in their careers.
“This renewal means more community visits and netball clinics across regional Queensland, as well as a new annual talent combine in Mackay, giving regional academy athletes a genuine opportunity to be identified and supported on their pathway to the Firebirds dress.
“It’s a true two-way partnership. While we help young women in the regions develop their netball, BMA is opening doors to rewarding careers right in their own communities.”
The partnership will continue to take the Firebirds into regional Queensland through clinics, workshops and community visits.
BMA will also maintain its presence on the Queensland Firebirds playing dress, reflecting its ongoing commitment to the club and the broader netball community.
Beyond the court, the partnership gives BMA an important connection to netball’s regional Queensland community, helping showcase employment opportunities that enable people to build rewarding careers within their own communities.
BMA Asset President Adam Lancey said the next two years would build on the strong foundation established since the partnership began.
“We’re really proud of what this partnership has achieved over the past two years, particularly the opportunities it has created for young people and communities across regional Queensland,” Mr Lancey said.
“Extending our partnership with Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds gives us the opportunity to build on that success and continue supporting netball participation and development pathways across the regions.
“For us, it’s about creating opportunities for young athletes and using sport to bring communities together and connect them with the Queensland Firebirds.”
