The Under 18 divisions provided some of the carnival's most compelling action, with Southport Blue securing the 18 Challenge crown over Toowoomba Blue, while the First Nations Academy of Excellence U18 produced a memorable performance to claim the 18 Division 3 title ahead of Chinchilla. The Senior Boys division once again showcased the exciting growth of male participation in netball, with Logan City Boys defeating Pimpama Boys Orange in an entertaining final.
Redcliffe Leagues enjoyed one of the event's most successful campaigns, adding the 16 Challenge title to their 18 Championship victory. Hinterland District Netball Association also celebrated a remarkable carnival, completing a Championship double with victories in both the 15 and 16 Championship divisions, as Hinterland 15 Purple defeated Sunny Coast 15 Gold before Hinterland 16 Purple backed that up with victory over Metro 16 Blue.
Redlands Netball Association was recognised as Champion Association, while Cairns Netball Association was honoured with the Association Spirit Award.
The scale of this year's event was remarkable, with 183 teams from 53 associations contesting 1,614 matches across the four action-packed days. More than 2,000 players took the court, supported by over 200 coaches and 192 managers creating an incredible atmosphere of participation and community celebration in north Queensland.
This year's carnival welcomed exciting new participants to the Senior State Age family, with Tableland Netball Association and Sarina and District Netball Association making their debut appearances. The event also celebrated the return of Laidley and Districts Netball Association, who last attended in 2011, and Murwillumbah Netball Association, returning after their 2013 participation. Adding further diversity, three invitational clubs fielded teams, with Capricorn Netball Region and Darling Downs Netball Region each competing with boys' teams, while the First Nations Academy of Excellence entered both 15U and 18U sides.
The carnival featured 180 umpires supported by Netball Queensland Umpire Coaches providing courtside development throughout the event. Netball Queensland's Green Armband Initiative was in place across all divisions, creating a safer and more encouraging environment for under-18 umpires and coaches by reminding players, coaches and spectators that these young officials are still developing their skills. The 200-plus registered coaches also benefited from dedicated support through Netball Queensland's Coach Development team, who provided real-time mentoring opportunities throughout the carnival.
The event proved a landmark occasion for umpire development, highlighted by a very special B Badge achievement on the final day.
Charlotte Brynes (Mt Isa) was awarded her B Badge by Stewart Ting and Marley Lysaght, a particularly meaningful milestone given the significant travel she has undertaken in pursuit of her development and her dedication to working hard on her umpiring skills.
Three officials also received their C Badges across the carnival: Ella Pirrone (Burdekin) badged by Stewart Ting and Caitlin Buchanan, Paige Pershouse (Bundaberg) badged by Stewart Ting and Deb Keally and Zara Morrison (Whitsundays) badged by Stewart Ting and Marley Lysaght.
Adding to the celebrations, twelve umpires were recognised with Umpire Medals for their outstanding contributions throughout the event: Bronte Bulloch (Townsville), Carys Ferguson (Mackay), Charlotte Brynes (Mt Isa), Dylan Rablin (South Coast), Maz Kukutai (Redlands), Mikayla O'Keefe (Townsville), Summer Bass (Underwood), Liam McGovern (QC), Jacquelyn James (Pine Rivers), Caitlin Yarrow (Mackay), Eve Roberts (Metropolitan) and Paige Pershouse (Bundaberg).
Off the court, a strong lineup of Netball Queensland partners helped create a vibrant event precinct. Tribal Sport covered all merchandise needs, HART Sport supplied equipment and competition balls, while McDonald's provided water stations and MVP vouchers. Containers for Change offered container return facilities, and the Suncorp Team Girls cart ensured athletes and supporters had everything they needed to perform their best. Ray White Queensland gave attendees the chance to win a coaching session with Queensland Firebirds Head Coach Kiri Wills and a Firebirds player, while the University of Queensland offered the opportunity to win two corporate box tickets to a Queensland Firebirds match at Nissan Arena, including flights and accommodation.
Netball Queensland extends its sincere thanks to Townsville City Netball Association for their exceptional work as hosts across the four days, and to Townsville City Council for their valued support in bringing the Senior State Age event to the city. The dedication of volunteers, officials, technical officials and umpires ensured another memorable and seamless carnival for all participants.
Full Results - 2026 Senior State Age
15 Championship: Winners - Hinterland 15 Purple, Runners Up - Sunny Coast 15 Gold
15 Challenge: Winners - Cairns Pythons U15 Gold, Runners Up - Ipswich 15 Green
15 Division 3: Winners - Pine Rivers 15 Gold, Runners Up - Redcliffe Leagues 15 Red
15 Division 4: Winners - Townsville 15 Blue, Runners Up - Chinchilla 15
16 Championship: Winners - Hinterland 16, Purple Runners Up - Metro 16 Blue
16 Challenge: Winners - Redcliffe Leagues 16, Runners Up - Rockhampton 16s Maroon
16 Division 3: Winners - Nanango 16U, Runners Up - QC 16 Black
18 Championship: Winners - Redcliffe Leagues 18, Runners Up - Murwillumbah 18
18 Challenge: Winners - Southport 18 Blue, Runners Up - Toowoomba 18 Blue
18 Division 3: Winners - First Nations Academy of Excellence U18, Runners Up - Chinchilla 18
Senior Boys: Winners - Logan City Boys, Runners Up - Pimpama Boys Orange
Champion Association: Redlands Netball Association
Association Spirit: Cairns Netball Association
