Illawarra junior netballers with Origin Australia Diamonds Jamie-Lee Price (centre), Wollongong Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Linda Campbell, Cara Koenen and Alice Teague-Neeld. Photo: Julian O’Brien.
International netball returns to Wollongong for the first time in more than a decade this Wednesday (8 October), with the Origin Australian Diamonds set to face South Africa’s SPAR Proteas in a blockbuster showdown at WIN Entertainment Centre.
It’s a clash that launches one of the city’s biggest seasons of world-class sport and entertainment and draws thousands of fans to watch the sport’s biggest stars.
The 2025 South Africa Series got underway in Bendigo on Saturday (4 October), when the Diamonds prevailed against the Proteas in the first match, 64-53, which will now lead into Wednesday’s second match.
Destination Wollongong general manager Jeremy Wilshire said the Diamonds’ return to the Illawarra for the first time since 2013 capped off a truly historic period for the city.
“The netball test kicks off arguably the busiest two-month program of major events Wollongong has ever hosted, which signals a significant economic boon for the region,” Mr Wilshire said.
“With netball being one of our biggest participation sports and the Diamonds returning for the first time in a decade, this is a great opportunity to showcase both the sport and the city.
“It’s a clear sign that Wollongong is firmly established as a destination city.
“From the Triathlon World Championships to Nitro Circus and everything in between, these events bring our community together, boost local business, and showcase Wollongong’s unique lifestyle to the world.”
Following the netball, Wollongong’s jam-packed calendar includes the 2025 World Triathlon Championships Finals, which is set to bring thousands of athletes and supporters from across the globe to Wollongong in October.
Other events include the Down Under Championship at WIN Entertainment Centre; the Spartan Stadion obstacle racing spectacular; Nitro Circus: Off The Rails, set to thrill fans with high-octane action; and the YETI Australian Junior Surf Life Saving Championships, which recently relocated to Wollongong.
Origin Australia Diamonds netballers Jamie-Lee Price (back left), Cara Koenen (centre), and Alice Teague-Neeld (back right) with Illawarra junior netballers at North Beach. Photo: Julian O’Brien.
Together, these events are expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors, generating significant economic and community benefits while showcasing Wollongong on the international stage.
Netball Australia CEO Stacey West said she was thrilled to see the Diamonds back on court in Wollongong after more than a decade.
“Every test match on home soil is an opportunity for Australians to celebrate the world’s best netball team and our game that brings more women and girls together to play than any other nationally,” Ms West said.
“These moments not only inspire the next generation of players and fans, they remind us of netball’s integral place in uniting communities right across the country.”
Along with a strong crowd at WIN Entertainment Centre for the Diamonds Test, thousands more are expected to tune to see the sport’s biggest names in action.
“Events like these don’t just bring fans to Wollongong, they create memories, inspire the next generation, and remind us of the power of sport to unite communities,” Mr Wilshire said.
He said it was part of Wollongong’s continuing effort to diversify its visitor economy, with a strong pipeline of sporting, cultural, and lifestyle events, reinforcing the city’s reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting destinations for both residents and visitors.
Book tickets at WSEC for the Origin Australian Diamonds versus South Africa SPAR Proteas at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on Wednesday (8 October). Gates open at 6 pm. The game starts at 7:30 pm.
