- Published:
- Friday 28 October 2016 at 4:41 pm
The world’s best netballers will battle it out at Hisense Arena this weekend when Melbourne becomes the first city in Australia to host the Fast5 Netball World Series.
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Major Events Danielle Green joined the competing nations at a welcoming ceremony last night, before two days of high-octane action begins tomorrow. The Andrews Labor Government has secured the blockbuster event for the next three years.
Fast5 Netball is the exciting new version of one of the world’s most popular sports. The shortened, action-packed contests pit netball’s best against each other in five-a-side games. Multiple point shots and double-point power plays keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Netball is played by 20 million people in 80 countries, and the Fast5 Netball World Series is giving the game added spice. Tomorrow, our own Australian Fast5 Flyers will be taking on fierce rivals England and New Zealand, as well as Jamaica, Malawi and South Africa in a battle for the silverware.
Major events grow Victoria’s economy and create jobs for locals. The steady stream of visitors who flock to our long list of sport, art and cultural events keep our shops and restaurants busy and our hotels full. Major events are worth $1.8 billion to the state each year.
We’re the events capital and we want to stay that way. That’s why we’ve established Visit Victoria, the state’s new tourism and major events body charged with the task of attracting more visitors, securing more events and showcasing the best of everything in Victoria to all corners of the globe.
Matches begin tomorrow at 1.45pm ahead of Australia’s blockbuster battle against England at 7.45pm. Sunday’s action begins at 12.15pm, before the grand final at 7.25pm. Tickets are still available at Ticketek.
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Major Events Danielle Green
“Fast5 Netball is proving a hit right around the world. We’re thrilled to make history as the first Australian city to host the next instalment.”
“These are the world’s very best players, and they’ll all be vying for international honours in our own backyard. It’s a real treat for budding young netballers.”
“Major events like the Fast5 Netball World Series aren’t just great spectacles, they’re a big boost to the state’s economy, too."