Mackay will be the beating heart of Queensland netball this weekend with the city to host Netball Queensland’s (NQ) regional board meeting as well as Round 3 of the Ruby North competition and a series of community initiatives.
The NQ board will convene in Mackay this Friday, marking the third regional meeting in three years after visits to Townsville and Toowoomba. This strategic move underscores NQ’s commitment to being visible and engaged in the regions the organisation serves.
Subsequently, the Mackay Multi-Sport Stadium will host elite-level Ruby North
matches (12–13 July), featuring hometown franchise the Great Barrier Reef Arena Mackay Monarchs as well as the Capricorn Claws, North Queensland United and Far North Flames.
Netball Queensland Chief Executive Kate Davies said it was an exciting weekend ahead for the sport and the city.
“As an organisation, we are committed to being active and available in the communities where our game is growing,” Davies said.
“Mackay is a great example of how regional Queensland continues to shape the future of netball and the NQ board and management contingent are excited to witness the latest round of the Ruby North competition which has bridged grassroots and elite level netball in these regions, allowing athletes to stay and play in their hometowns while experiencing high-level competition.”
The Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy (QFFA) program, supported by Foundation Partner BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, has been pivotal in developing local talent. Three QFFA athletes feature in the Great Barrier Reef Arena Mackay Monarchs’ squad, while umpire Zoe Jaenke represents the program’s regional impact. BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s partnership enables regional athletes to access professional pathways without relocating, aligning with NQ’s focus on retaining talent in regional areas.
On Friday, NQ Board and management will host a stakeholder event to connect with regional leaders, followed by a Saturday coaching workshop led by Head of Talent and Development Roselee Jencke (three-time Queensland Firebirds premiership coach) at the Mackay Netball Association from 1pm.
Netball Queensland Board Chair Leanne Coddington was eager to connect with local stakeholders and the Mackay community after the success of past regional board meetings.
“This weekend in Mackay is a celebration of regional netball’s strength,” Coddington said.
“As the third regional board meeting in three years - following Townsville and Toowoomba - we’re reinforcing our promise to be where the game thrives.
“The combination of our board meeting, Ruby North action, stakeholder engagement and Saturday’s coaching workshop creates a unique opportunity to celebrate regional netball’s heartbeat.
“We’re not just spectators here. Netball’s power lies in its ability to unite communities and by engaging face-to-face with local leaders, coaches and players, we’re acknowledging their role as the heartbeat of our sport.”
The Great Barrier Reef Arena Mackay Monarchs’ participation in the Ruby North competition has been aided by a $10,000 investment from the Mackay Regional Council.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to see a development pathway for our local athletes, coaches and officials returning to the Mackay region.
“There is exceptional talent here in Mackay and this competition provides a platform for that talent to be seen and developed,” Mayor Williamson said.
“With enormous participation rates in our community, and across Queensland, it's integral we continue to work with Netball Queensland to ensure these elevated opportunities remain available for people living in the Mackay region.
“Mackay is a beautiful place to live and pathways like this provide opportunities for our locals to pursue their netball dreams without having to move to SEQ to develop them.
“It’s fantastic that they can now work towards achieving Ruby North level in their respective area of interest.”
Mackay Netball Association is also looking forward to a huge weekend of netball in the area.
“Mackay Netball is thrilled to be part of this weekend’s elite netball showcase,” Mackay Netball Association Chair Shelley Walsh said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our young players to witness top-level competition right here in our region, and we welcome the clear pathway it presents.
“We look forward to connecting with Netball Queensland’s Board and hosting an exciting weekend of next-level netball, made possible by the generous support of our local partners - especially our major sponsors, Harrup Park Country Club and Mackay Regional Council.”
Ruby North Round 3 Fixture
Saturday, 12 July
9:00 AM — Mackay Monarchs vs Far North Flames
11:00 AM — North Queensland United vs Capricorn Claws
3:00 PM — Capricorn Claws vs Far North Flames
5:00 PM — Mackay Monarchs vs North Queensland United
Sunday, 13 July
8:00 AM — Far North Flames vs North Queensland United
10:00 AM — Mackay Monarchs vs Capricorn Claws
All matches are streamed LIVE on NetballQ TV. For more information on how to watch click HERE.
