Elite netball returns to Ballarat with new Melbourne Vixens partnership

Netball Victoria and the Melbourne Vixens will expand their regional pre-season event schedule thanks to a landmark three-year investment from the Victorian Government's Significant Sporting Events Program.

The Victorian Government and Netball Victoria today announced that with the program's support, for the next three years Netball Victoria will host three annual pre-season events in regions including Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon.

Each event will differ in scope and content, giving fans the opportunity to attend elite netball activity­ including exhibition matches and open training sessions - and showcases of exciting pathway and pre­ elite talent across Victorian, interstate and international programs.

The partnership will also see community activities delivered in each region, including junior clinics, fan engagement opportunities and coaching and umpiring workshops.

Following the success of the two-day Ballarat Blitz event in March this year, Netball Victoria is pleased to continue its partnership with the Victorian Government and the City of Ballarat to bring three interstate Suncorp Super Netball teams to the event once again in 2025.

Further details, including event schedules and ticketing information, will be announced for each 2025 event in due course.

The Victorian Government's Significant Sporting Events Program helps sporting, community and event organisations to deliver significant sporting events in Victoria.

Netball Victoria has delivered numerous successful events with the support of the program and in partnership with local government, with recent Suncorp Super Netball pre-season events including the Traralgon Takeover (2022), Bound4Bendigo (2023) and Ballarat Blitz (2024).

Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman said:

"We're thrilled to continue working with the Victorian Government to deliver exciting netball events in regional Victoria each year, and this investment will enable us to expand our offering.

"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.

"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.

"We're proud to be leading the way with our annual events schedule, shining a light on our world-class pathway talent and bringing the best netballers in the world to communities in regional Victoria."

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said:

"Victorians live for sport and that passion is certainly not lost in the regions. We are bringing elite sport to all corners of our state so fans and families can experience the magic in their own backyards."

City of Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves said:

"Following the success of the first Ballarat Blitz earlier this year, the City of Ballarat is thrilled to have worked with Netball Victoria and the Victorian Government to bring the event back in 2025.

"We look forward once again to showcasing some elite netball action and also providing an opportunity for our community to come together to enjoy a range of exciting community events hosted by the Melbourne Vixens.

"It's another fantastic opportunity for us to welcome many visitors to Ballarat to soak up the vibrant atmosphere that our city has to offer."