A total of 62 teams - 15 more than last year - descending on the TCNA courts, with 620 players competing in a total of 367 high-energy matches as regional communities seized the chance to showcase their talent on home soil.
The 2025 Country Carnival was proudly sponsored by the Townsville City Council with Netball Queensland partners Ray White Queensland and Baskin-Robbins adding to the colour of the event.
It was a great weekend for the host association with Townsville's 12 Gold and 14 Gold winning their divisions while TCNA's 18 Girls and 18 Mixed both finished runners-up.
In the 12 Years, Townsville prevailed over Mackay Monarchs 12 Maroon while Innisfail Crocs Under 14s were the runners-up in the 14 Years division.
Cairns claimed three divisions, winning the 16 Years, 18 Years and 18 Mixed competitions.
In the 16 Years Cairns 15 Gold finished ahead of runners-up Mackay Monarchs 16 Maroon, Cairns 16 Gold was too good for Townsville 18 Gold in the 18 Years and Cairns 18 Mixed defeated Townsville in the 18 Mixed division.
New faces added fresh flavour to this year’s carnival - three teams from Weipa Social Netball Club and an invitational entry from Palm Island Netball Association, plus Palmerston Netball Association travelling all the way from the Northern Territory.
With 14 associations represented, the event’s rapid growth underscores its importance in developing regional pathways.
A special highlight was the continuation of Netball Queensland's Green Band Initiative - launched at last month's Senior State Age - to champion fair play and respect.
Umpires sporting green bands served as a visual reminder to support our under-18 officials as they hone their skills.
Across Country Carnival umpires had the invaluable opportunity to receive coaching and support from the Netball Queensland Umpire Coach team Stewart Ting, Hayley Killer, Deborah Kealley, Zoe Jaenke and Marley Lysaght.
Their guidance and feedback helped strengthen umpires’ confidence, sharpen their skills, and foster the development of the country umpires.
A special highlight was the awarding of seven National C badges to umpires from Tablelands, Bowen, Charters Towers and Innisfail.
Netball Queensland recognised eight umpires in particular who displayed commitment, improvement, a team first attitude and excellence in their umpiring. Congratulations to the 2025 Country Carnival Umpire medal winners:
- Milana Muller - Townsville
- Carys Ferguson - Mackay
- Tabalu Carra - Tablelands
- Andrew Castors - Palm Island
- Jasmine Power - Bowen
- Piper Carmichael - Townsville
- Caryn Wemyss - Tablelands
- Kayesha Graham - Cairns
