UQ has served as a Premier Partner with both organisations since 2016, establishing one of Queensland netball's most enduring and impactful partnerships. The renewed agreement ensures continued support for grassroots netball development while providing life-changing educational opportunities for young people across the state.
The partnership also provides UQ students with the chance to gain experience in an elite sporting environment or undertake research projects via placement opportunities.
Central to the partnership is the continuation of the highly successful UQ Firebirds Scholarship program. Established in 2019, the initiative will again offer four scholarship opportunities annually to Year 12 students with a connection to netball, bridging the gap between their academic ambitions and their love for the sport.
The renewed partnership places particular emphasis on regional engagement, with UQ set to activate and run a dedicated competition across the Vicki Wilson Championship.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the initiatives ensure students from regional and remote areas of Queensland can access tertiary education through their involvement in netball.
“This work represents a shared commitment to creating genuine pathways to tertiary education for young Queenslanders,” Professor Terry said.
“We strongly encourage students from all backgrounds, particularly regional, remote, low‑SES and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to participate and apply.”
UQ will maintain high visibility throughout the partnership term, activating at Queensland Firebirds home games at Nissan Arena and across Netball Queensland's competitions and carnivals statewide.
"We are thrilled to continue our journey with The University of Queensland, a partner that genuinely shares our vision for empowering young people through both sport and education," said Netball Queensland and Queensland Firebirds Chief Executive Officer Kate Davies.
“The UQ Firebirds Scholarship program has created life-changing opportunities, particularly for students from regional and remote areas. This partnership extension to 2028 demonstrates our shared commitment to opening doors beyond the court."
