Netball’s best returning to regional Victoria

THE Melbourne Vixens are heading to Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon as part of their pre-season events schedule.

Starting next year and running until 2027, three annual events differing in scope and content will be held to give regional Victorians an opportunity to watch elite netball.

The initiative is supported by the State Government and events will include exhibition matches, open training sessions, community clinics and a chance to showcase pathways for pre-elite talent.

“This significant investment reflects the strong position of our sport right across the country – netball is thriving, participation numbers keep growing, and with around half of our participants based in regional Victoria, we know there’s appetite in these areas for more netball events,” Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman said.

“In 2024 we have broken our all-time member record, with over 117,000 Victorians participating in our sport – from players to coaches, umpires and administrators.

“Pleasingly that passion extends to the elite game, with our Melbourne Vixens also breaking all-time membership and attendance records in season 2024, and we’re driven to keep innovating and meeting that demand with a range of grassroots and elite events.”

The announcement follows the Ballarat Blitz, which was held with the Vixens this year, the Traralgon Takeover that took place in 2022, and 2023’s Bound4Bendigo.

“Regional Victorians deserve to witness elite sport in their own backyard and there isn’t much better than Super Netball content in three booming regional centres including right here in Ballarat,” Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said.

Further details for each 2025 event will be announced in due course.