Mackay netballers were treated to a special day of training and inspiration when the Queensland Firebirds hosted a community netball clinic, thanks to the team’s partnership with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).
The clinic, led by Firebirds stars Isabelle Shearer and Mary Cholhok, saw local players take part in a series of drills and exercises, learning tips and techniques from elite athletes. The event was a hit with players and parents alike, who were thrilled to have top-level netballers in Mackay.
“I love coming to these regional clinics. It’s so great that we can be supported by BMA to come up to the regions. I always have a great time,” Isabelle said.
“It’s great to see all the talent that’s up here and work with all different age groups and all different skill levels. We love connecting with all the girls and boys up here, so it’s been really fun.
“As a regional kid myself, it’s so exciting to be back up here in the regions. I love being able to be here and be seen because obviously these girls and boys don’t get to see us as much as the kids in Brisbane do. And I really knew that as a kid as well, so this clinic is awesome.”
Mackay Netball Association Chair Shelley Walsh said the visit was a boost for the local community.
“The Firebirds are really popular in our region, and for them to come and visit us and play with our players is amazing. It means that in regional Queensland you still get seen by the big guys in the city,” Shelley said.
“BMA is such a big presence in our community and to have them come down and support our girls and all of our players, boys too, has been a really great day for us.”
The Mackay clinic is part of BMA’s broader commitment as a Foundation Partner of the Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy (QFFA). BMA Asset President Adam Lancey said the partnership extends beyond sport.
“We want to be able to allow future netballers to be able to stay in the regions, promote the liveability of the regions, and create those pathway connections through to elite netball. This partnership also allows us to support the regions in different ways and we’re really committed to being able to do that,” Adam said.
“Despite the challenging market conditions and the really difficult coal royalty regime in Queensland, we’re really proud of the social investment that we make in the regions. It’s really great to be able to continue to support events like this, where we can bring the Firebirds up into the regions and see the impact that it has on the local community.”
