Netball NSW welcomed a strong show of bipartisan support at last weekend’s blockbuster Suncorp Super Netball NSW derby, as Members of Parliament from across the state gathered to watch GIANTS Netball and the NSW Swifts go head-to-head in one of the season’s most exciting fixtures.
The high-profile match drew a huge crowd of passionate fans – and among them, key members of the NSW Parliament who took the opportunity to experience the electric atmosphere and witness the strength of elite women’s netball in action.
“It was a privilege to welcome the Deputy Premier Prue Car, the Hon David Harris and the Hon Yasmin Catley to Netball Central for the blockbuster NSW derby,” Executive General Manager of Strategy & Stakeholders at Netball NSW Tim Fava said.
“What they witnessed was a world-class showcase of netball – a fierce contest of strength, agility and skill that showcased the incredible physicality of our athletes. This is elite women’s sport at its best, and the crowd met the moment with incredible energy and passion.”
Also joining them at the game was Mrs Sally Quinnell MP, Member for Camden, Ms Eleni Petinos MP, Member for Miranda and Shadow Minister for Sport, Ms Felicity Wilson MP, Member for North Shore.
“People are blown away when they attend the Suncorp Super Netball. The energy is electric, the crowd is on fire, and the athletes – world-class. Their skill, intensity, and sportsmanship make them phenomenal role models for the next generation,” Lucy Sayers, Manager of Governance, Integrity and Special Projects at Netball NSW said.
Following the match, the parliamentarians and their families took to the court to meet players from both the GIANTS and Swifts teams, taking a moment to connect with the players and join a special on-court photo to mark the occasion. It was an evening of community and connection.
As Netball NSW continues to grow its footprint and impact in communities across the state and with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, the cross-parliamentary presence sent a strong signal about the importance of ongoing government support for the sport.
“It was wonderful to have so many representatives from both sides of parliament there to witness an amazing game of netball, but also to see how powerful women's sport is at that elite level," continued Sayers.
“As we look toward the 2027 Netball World Cup, we see a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elevate and celebrate our sport on a global stage. This event provides an opportunity to build a lasting legacy for netball in NSW. We’re actively working to align with key government priorities and policy objectives to ensure netball is front and centre in funding conversations.”
Netball NSW continues to advocate for greater investment across grassroots community participation, multicultural and first nations programs, emerging talent pathways, and key facilities and infrastructure.
Netball NSW
