DIAMONDS ARE A NETBALLER’S BEST FRIEND
TOWNSVILLE has secured an international netball match between Australia and New Zealand. The two teams will clash at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre on October 10. Australian Diamonds player Gretel Tippett (pictured) said it was exciting to bring top- class netball to regional Queensland.
TOWNSVILLE has been named one of four Australian cities to host an international netball event this October.
The Samsung Diamonds will travel to two regional venues, Townsville and Newcastle, to play International Test matches in 2018.
The Australian team will head to North Queensland to take on the New Zealand Silver Ferns in the Constellation Cup at Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre on October 10.
Australian Diamond Gretel Tippett said the regional test matches would give thousands of netball fans the opportunity to see international netball in their home city.
“I think it’s really exciting to bring netball to regional Queensland,” Tippett said.
“It’s really great for the NetSetGo girls and all of junior netball to be exposed to international netball.
Mayor Jenny Hill said it was another opportunity to put Townsville on the national and international stage.
“It’s absolutely fantastic and it helps cement our position as Northern Australia’s leading sports and events city,” Cr Hill said.
“Townsville is one of the premier sporting cities in regional Australia and hosting international matches is a major boost for the economy and local jobs.”
Cr Hill hoped North Queenslanders would be taking advantage of Townsville hosting the event.
“We are hoping to pull a lot of people in from the regions and places like Cairns and Mackay,” Cr Hill said.
She said the event was a great opportunity for young athletes to watch the best players in the world.
“Netball is ( Townsville’s) second biggest participatory sport behind junior football or soccer.”