Netball Victoria has announced that the State Titles will take place in Bendigo over the March long weekend in 2024, thanks to the support of the City of Greater Bendigo.
The State Titles offer an opportunity for teams from all 19 regions across the state to compete in 15 & Under, 17 & Under and Open female, 17 & Under male, and mixed All Abilities divisions. The round robin-style tournament leads to finals, where the top teams play off to be crowned state champions.
Traditionally hosted in spring, in 2024 the event will be held at the Golden City Netball Association courts in West Bendigo from 9-11 March in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo.
Following consultation with the netball community, including State Titles Officers, Netball Victoria made the decision to review the timing of the annual event from 2024 onwards.
The new timing will position the State Titles as the opening event for the netball calendar, bringing all 19 regions together at the start of the netball year and delivering additional strategic benefits for players, coaches, umpires, and administrators.
Hosting the event earlier in the year will allow additional lead-in time for talent identification for athletes and umpires ahead of the Victorian Netball League season, and support players building their load ahead of their playing season.
The earlier date will also minimise impact on other concurrent competitions and reduce pressure on participants who are studying and faced clashes with exam periods in previous years.
Netball Victoria President and Bendigo local Carol Cathcart said the announcement is exciting for the Bendigo region and for the entire Victorian netball community.
“The State Titles are a flagship event in our netball calendar, and thanks to the support of the City of Greater Bendigo, it will now be a celebration of the opening of the netball season and hosted in one of our most active regional netball communities.”
City of Greater Bendigo Tourism and Major Events Manager Terry Karamaloudis said the City was delighted to support the State Titles.
“The City is thrilled to host the State Titles in Greater Bendigo and welcome netballers, their coaching teams, and families for an exciting event over the long weekend in March 2024 and to showcase the delights of our beautiful city off the court.
“Hosting this tournament earlier in the calendar means Bendigo will be the launch pad for many talented players from across the region to show what they can bring to the game and that will be exciting to watch.”
Find out more about State Titles
