Up to two thousand netball players and supporters from across the state will arrive in Bundaberg during September for the Primary Schools Cup, with a direct spend of more than $800,000 estimated to benefit the region.
It will be the second time in four years that the event has been hosted locally, with Bundaberg Regional Council providing sponsorship funding of $15,000 to support its delivery.
Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Vince Habermann said the netball carnival was one of the largest of its kind and brought with it plenty of tourism opportunities and economic benefits.
“The majority of participants will travel from outside the region and will stay a minimum of two nights for the carnival, with the option to extend their trip to sightsee in our wonderful region” he said.
“Bundaberg hosted the same event in 2018 which provided an estimated direct spend into the community of $760,240.
“As past experiences have shown us, this event provides a huge economic boost, and we are estimating the 2022 Primary Schools Cup to provide a minimum direct spend of $860,000.”
Primary Schools Cup brings benefits for local players and community
Bundaberg Netball Association president Matt Leighton said the carnival would provide a professional sporting arena for local players to test their skills.
“This event provides Bundaberg primary school-aged girls and boys a chance to compete against schools from across the state in a two day carnival,” he said.
“For some of the players it will be the first time they have competed in a multi-day carnival against other schools.
“It provides the girls and boys an opportunity to play netball at a higher level.”
Matt said there were also many positives about hosting the event in the Bundaberg Region.
“There will be over 500 players and officials from out of town coming to visit Bundaberg during the September school holidays,” he said.
“These players have other people attending with them, providing a huge boost to the local economy from accommodation, to food places as well as the tourist venues.
“Equipment such as cold rooms and generators are hired locally as well as all the food and drink required to keep over 2000 people fed and hydrated, providing additional benefits to local businesses.
“We also get to showcase the Bundaberg Netball facilities to Netball Queensland which may lead to other larger events in the near future such as Netball Queensland State Titles where there are over 192 teams participating.”
Matt said he was thrilled to be involved with the Primary Schools Cup event.
“I am looking forward to showcasing Bundaberg to the wider netball community and showcasing all the wonderful people and places that the Bundaberg Region has to offer,” he said.
“Bundaberg Netball Association would like to thank the Bundaberg Regional Council for their support and assistance in hosting the Primary Schools Cup event.”
The Primary Schools Cup will take place on 24 and 25 September.
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