The Allan Labor Government is bringing international netball to Bendigo with the Australian Diamonds to play the England Roses this September in a clash that is set to delight local fans and visitors from across the country.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today made the announcement alongside Netball Australia CEO Stacey West and Australian Diamonds' Joanna Weston and Kate Moloney.
Bendigo will host the third and final match in the three-match International Test Series on Wednesday, 25 September at Bendigo Stadium - secured through Visit Victoria's major sponsorship of the Australian Diamonds.
This epic event is set to draw crowds from across the state to Bendigo during the school holidays - delivering a boost for local hotels, restaurants and other tourism operators. With local players and fans seeing their national team in action for the first time in Bendigo since 2014, this match will also inspire our local netball stars of tomorrow.
Off the court, the Labor Government will work with Netball Australia and Netball Victoria to deliver a training clinic in Bendigo with Australian Diamonds players and local primary school students later this year - helping nurture local talent and give more kids the opportunity to play the sport they love, close to home.
The Australian Diamonds are one of the most dominant and inspiring national teams in sporting history with a long track record of competing against England that will set the scene for a showstopping game in Bendigo.
The Government's major sponsorship of the Australian Diamonds through Visit Victoria is bringing more netball events to Victoria including the final match of the 2024 Constellation Cup International Test Series, as well as ambassadorships, branding on uniforms, training camps and community engagement.
These epic international netball events add to Victoria's stellar calendar of major events including NRL State of Origin, White Night Ballarat, Pharaoh at NGV and Ballin '24 - which help build on the State's $37.8 billion visitor economy.
Around 4,000 tickets for the Diamonds vs Roses will go on sale on Thursday, 22 August at 12pm via Ticketek.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"We're proud to be bringing the Diamonds to Bendigo to give local fans a chance to see their netball heroes in action while also welcoming new visitors to the region."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"Hosting the Diamonds in Bendigo, as well as the upcoming netball clinics for students, will help to inspire thousands of younger and emerging netball players and fans across the State."
As stated by Netball Australia CEO Stacey West
"The Origin Australian Diamonds and the England Roses have an intense rivalry on the court, and this will no doubt be another thrilling match between two of the world's best teams competing in Bendigo".
"We thank the Victorian Government and Visit Victoria for their support and investment in the country's largest female team sport and our World Champions the Origin Australian Diamonds."
