Townsville's Amelia "Dolly" Busuttil has become the first regional athlete selected for the Gems, a landmark selection that reflects the growing reach and depth of the state's programs for athletes with an intellectual disability.
Dolly is a proud product of the Regional Queensland Gems Academy, based in Townsville, and her selection is a powerful endorsement of what the regional program was built to achieve.
It proves that talented athletes with an intellectual disability can access a genuine, supported pathway to the highest level of representative netball no matter where in Queensland they call home.
For a program still finding its feet outside the south-east corner, Dolly's rise to the state squad is exactly the kind of outcome the Academy was designed to deliver.
She isn't the only new face pulling on maroon in 2026.
Dolly is joined by fellow debutants Molly Low and Jazmine Davis, with the trio bringing fresh energy and depth to a squad already rich in experience.
Their addition rounds out a group that blends seasoned campaigners with exciting new talent as the Gems prepare for another big appearance on the national stage.
The team's leadership for 2026 was confirmed at the Gems' recent uniform presentation, with Olivia Page named captain of the squad.
Page will be supported by vice-captains Mason Dare and Emma Mangan, while Marnie Simpson has been recognised as emerging leader.
The Gems will compete in the 2026 Marie Little Shield from 4 to 6 September at Thornbury's Narrandjeri Stadium, delivered in partnership with Visit Victoria.
The annual tournament brings together the country's best female athletes with an intellectual disability for three days of high-quality competition.
Introduced in 2013, the Marie Little Shield was named in honour of Marie Little OAM, a netballer who dedicated her life to supporting people with an intellectual disability.
Since its inception, the competition has grown into a cornerstone event on the national netball calendar, giving athletes like the Queensland Gems the chance to represent their state and showcase their skill and determination against the best in the country.
2026 Queensland Gems Squad
Emma Mangan
Olivia Page
Lorelei Page
Zoe Gauld
Mason Dare
Hanri Smith
Charlee Kibble
Jenae Curry
Marnie Simpson
Molly Low
Jazmine Davis
Amelia Busuttil
2026 Queensland Gems Staff
Head Coach: Merrin McCulloch
Assistant Coach: Tanya Matthews
Assistant Coach: Michelle Birrell
Development Coach: Jack Matthews
Team Manager: Aimee Matthews
