Netball Queensland has welcomed a new funding partnership, announced by the Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni, with Board Chair Jane Seawright and directors Simone Waugh and Kristen Devitt, at Queensland Parliament House yesterday.
The Active Industry Fund delivers funding to sport in a new way, fostering collaborative partnerships that will improve delivery and maximise the benefits for all Queenslanders.
Netball Queensland CEO Catherine Clark said the shift towards an outcomes-based partnership would unlock the potential for Netball to improve the health and wellbeing of more Queenslanders.
“In partnership with the Government we will strengthen our delivery network, making Netball more accessible for all Queenslanders, whether you are 6 six years old or sixty, living in Mapoon or Mudgeeraba. Netball has the power to transform lives, transform communities.”
“As a sport where 98% of our members are female, we are pleased to see this Government taking steps towards gender equality, from the boardroom to equal pay for athletes. These conditions are an important step in creating change” Clark said.
“Netball continues to grow and so far this year we have more than 100,000 active participants involved in netball, making this sport one of the largest grassroots sports in Queensland, and the number-one sport for women and girls,” Clark said.
Announcing the partnership, Mr de Brenni said netball was the first of six sports to enter the new funding strategy pilot program.
“The $32 million, three-year Active Industry Fund will see continued support for the industry, including a first tranche of partnerships developed between six sporting bodies from rugby league, Aussie rules, cricket, netball, tennis and surfing.
“Incentivised funding arrangements will ensure our shared goals are achieved, such as gender equity and quality opportunities for all.”
Activate! Queensland is a $1.3 billion strategy over 10 years to encourage all levels of community participation whilst also supporting elite athletes and world-class venues.
The Queensland Government also invested $34 million in the Queensland State Netball Centre, home of the Queensland Firebirds.
