BHP Mitsubishi Alliance Extends Queensland Firebirds Partnership Through 2028

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and Netball Queensland have executed a two-year commercial partnership extension, locking in support through to 2028.

Under the renewed contract, BMA retains its standing as an Official Partner of Netball Queensland and the SSN’s Queensland Firebirds, while maintaining its position as Foundation Partner of the Queensland Firebirds Academy.

The partnership focuses heavily on expanding high-performance regional pathways, enabling young athletes, coaches, and umpires across regional Queensland to access elite netball infrastructure without relocating to metropolitan centers.

As part of the renewed agreement, BMA will also retain high-visibility brand placement on the Queensland Firebirds official playing dress during Suncorp Super Netball competition.

Netball Queensland and Queensland Firebirds CEO, Kate Davies, emphasiSed the importance of providing high-performance sport pathways within local communities.

“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with BMA for a further two years.”

“Together we share a belief that talented young Queenslanders shouldn’t have to leave home to chase their dreams, whether that’s on the netball court or in their careers.

“This renewal means more community visits and netball clinics across regional Queensland, as well as a new annual talent combine in Mackay, giving regional academy athletes a genuine opportunity to be identified and supported on their pathway to the Firebirds dress.

“It’s a true two-way partnership. While we help young women in the regions develop their netball, BMA is opening doors to rewarding careers right in their own communities,” Davies said. 

BMA asset president, Adam Lancey, highlighted the broader social and regional impact achieved through sports integration over the initial contract phase.

“We’re really proud of what this partnership has achieved over the past two years, particularly the opportunities it has created for young people and communities across regional Queensland.”

“Extending our partnership with Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds gives us the opportunity to build on that success and continue supporting netball participation and development pathways across the regions.

“For us, it’s about creating opportunities for young athletes and using sport to bring communities together and connect them with the Queensland Firebirds,” Lancey said. 

Regional Infrastructure & Development Initiatives

The extended commercial framework expands grassroots reach and talent identification hubs across regional centers:

• Firebirds Academy Regional Network: Supports dedicated academy hubs across Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville, and Cairns, delivering elite coaching and high-performance testing to regional athletes.
• Annual Mackay Talent Combine: Establishes a new annual talent combine in Mackay, allowing regional academy athletes to be assessed and coached directly by Netball Queensland high-performance staff.
• Grassroots Community Engagement: Expands regional outreach across the Bowen Basin and Mackay, building on previous milestones that delivered over 20 community engagements and reached more than 1,000 clinic participants since 2024.
• Dual-Career & Employment Pathways: Highlights local vocational and employment opportunities provided by BMA, linking athletic growth with regional career options.

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