The milestone 25th Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) carnival is set to be held in Bundaberg next year drawing hundreds of visitors to the region.
Up to 900 students, along with their families and support staff, will join host Shalom College for the 25th QISSN event, which is supported by Bundaberg Regional Council.
Shalom College Principal Dan McMahon said the very first QISSN carnival was hosted in the Bundaberg Region in 2000 and it was fantastic to be chosen as the host school again for the 2025 carnival.
“The Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) carnival is the largest event of its type in the nation,” Dan said.
“We are expecting 64 girls’ teams and up to 20 boys’ teams to arrive in Bundaberg next year for this annual event.”
Dan said hosting an event of this magnitude was beneficial to the entire community.
“Between 800-900 players will attend this carnival.
“With them will be support staff and many parents,” he said.
“This event will be a big economic boost for the local area.
“Accommodation suppliers, food outlets, local clubs and hotels will benefit directly with many more indirect benefits.
“Not least of all opening up our beautiful region to a huge influx of visitors.
Council supports carnival through sponsorship
In Council’s Ordinary Meeting in June $5,000 in sponsorship was endorsed to support Shalom College to host the event.
Community Liveability, Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Carmen McEneany said Council was thrilled to support Shalom in hosting the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball tournament once again in Bundaberg.
Cr McEneany said hosting events like the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball carnival showcased the Bundaberg Region as a hub of vibrant sports and recreation.
“This sponsorship highlights Council’s commitment to promoting youth sports and community engagement,” she said.
“By helping to support events such as this it will provide a top-notch experience for the local community, participating teams and spectators alike.”
Dan thanked Council for its support through sponsorship.
“We are very grateful to the Bundaberg Regional Council who have come on board to sponsor this event and we believe that this is an investment from the Bundaberg Regional Council that will value add for the local area,” he said.
“An event of this magnitude can’t be staged without support of local sponsors.
“We are grateful that we have a centre like [the] Multiplex which allows us to have four indoor courts.
“Given that we need at least seven courts to host this carnival, we will also use three courts at Shalom.
“We are looking forward to hosting a wonderful event.
“We are confident of the support of the local community and we look forward to being able to showcase outstanding netball.”
