Illawarra netball players Miki, Darcie, Indy and Ava with Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown and Origin Australian Diamond Sophie Dwyer. Photo: Netball Australia.
WIN Entertainment Centre will be home to a blockbuster netball fixture in October, when the Origin Australian Diamonds face South Africa’s SPAR Proteas.
The second match of the South Africa Series is the first time in 12 years the Illawarra has hosted an elite international netball event.
The most recent top-tier event was the 2013 test series between the Diamonds and the Malawi Queens in Wollongong.
Netball Australia CEO Stacey West said they were proud to bring the world’s best side to Wollongong.
“Wollongong’s passionate, sports-loving community makes it the perfect stage for this match, which will not only inspire local fans and young athletes but also provide a unique
opportunity for our players to connect with supporters both on and off the court,” she said.
Netball fans can expect a masterclass in the sport.
The Diamonds are reigning World Netball champions, Commonwealth Games champions, Netball Nations Cup champions and Fast5 Netball World Series champions – although their closest competition, New Zealand, currently reign as Constellation Cup champions.
The South Africa Series match will be in the ‘Gong thanks to a partnership with Destination Wollongong.
Wollongong Mayor Tania Brown said it’s a brilliant opportunity for the region’s many sports fans.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that netball fans in our city will have the opportunity to watch the world’s number one team go up against South Africa on the courts at the WIN Entertainment Centre,” she said.
“I have no doubt this is going to be one fantastic game and I will certainly be there to cheer on the Diamonds.
“Netball is the city’s third most popular sport and you only have to head to Fred Finch Park on a winter Saturday morning to see just how many families and young people love to play.
“It’s a real coup to have this match in Wollongong and it aligns with the council’s commitment to support and facilitate sporting pathways for our residents.’’
The 2025 South Africa Series gets under way at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena on Saturday, 4 October.
The second match of the South Africa Series will take place at WIN Entertainment Centre on Wednesday, 8 October.
The location for the final match will be announced shortly.
Following the three-match series, the focus will turn to the 2025 Constellation Cup, set for Melbourne’s John Cain Arena on Friday, 17 October, and Qudos Bank Arena on Wednesday, 22 October, before the competition crosses the Tasman.
More information on ticket sales will be announced soon.
