The event – now in its third year – brought together members of parliament alongside representatives from Netball Queensland, the Queensland Firebirds, Sunshine Coast Lightning and the Queensland Suns Men’s and Mixed Netball, continuing a collaboration aimed at strengthening netball’s voice and visibility across the state.
Launched in 2023 as part of separate memorandums of understanding between NQ and the Lightning and NQ and the Queensland Suns, the QPFN allows all organisations to work collaboratively to grow netball across the state.
Following the recent launch of Netball Queensland’s 2026–2028 Strategic Plan at the Netball Queensland Leaders Conference, Wednesday’s event provided an opportunity to share how the organisation plans to deliver sustainable growth through inclusive environments, developing winning teams, enhancing Nissan Arena as a premier sports and community venue and growing a lifelong love of netball throughout Queensland.
The future of the sport was on display with an activation of Little Nettys – Netball Queensland’s fundamental motor skills program for children aged 3 to 4 years which is proudly supported by the Queensland Government – featuring youngsters from the George Street My Little Scholars childcare centre.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, discussion also turned to maximising the sport’s position before, during and after the Games.
Joining the proceedings was Netball Australia Chair Liz Ellis AO, who helped amplify netball’s message as the bid to include the sport on the 2032 Olympic program continues to gain momentum.
Netball Queensland Chief Executive Officer Kate Davies said the event reflected the strong and growing support for netball across all levels of government.
“Our ‘Go for Growth’ plan is about building on netball’s strengths to ensure the sport continues to thrive across Queensland – from grassroots to elite,” Davies said.
“Having the support of our parliamentary leaders and the broader sporting community is vital as we work toward that vision.”
Member for Glass House Andrew Powell MP, a QPFN co-chair, said the timing of NQ’s future vision couldn’t be better.
“With Queensland aiming to be the sports and events capital of Australia, now is the perfect time to champion netball’s growth in Queensland,” Powell said.
“The ‘Go for Growth’ plan sets the stage for a decade of opportunity, both for the sport and for the thousands of young Queenslanders who love to play it.
“Netball plays such an important role in Queensland communities: it keeps people active, builds friendships and fosters teamwork at every level. It’s great to see Netball Queensland setting such a clear direction for growth across the state.”
Fellow QPFN co-chair, Member for Cooper Jonty Bush MP, also welcomed the release of NQ’s strategic plan.
“Netball is more than a sport, it’s a community that brings people together, builds confidence, and creates opportunities for girls and women right across Queensland,” Ms Bush said.
“It’s fantastic to see Netball Queensland leading the way with a plan that grows the game from the grassroots up and ensures it continues to thrive into the 2032 Games and beyond.”
Netball Queensland’s Go For Growth Stategic Plan 2026-28 is available online here.
