The Melbourne Vixens and the Collingwood Magpies have relocated to the Sunshine Coast to keep the Suncorp Super Netball season alive.
The Melbourne-based teams left Victoria in late May due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Vixens have been based on the Sunshine Coast for the past four weeks, and will now be joined by the Magpies, who have been in Sydney.
The relocation means the national competition can follow its planned fixture, with the least number of games being relocated from their scheduled venue.
Melbourne’s John Cain Arena is not due to host a match again until Round 10.
It also means games can be played interstate without players, coaches and officials having to quarantine or self-isolate.
The league is committed to ensuring the Vixens and the Magpies return to Victoria as soon as possible.
The relocation has made been made possible thanks to support from the Sunshine Coast Council.
Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook.
Chief Commercial Officer and Acting Executive General Manager of Events David Lee thanked the clubs and the council for their ongoing support.
“Netball Australia and all Suncorp Super Netball clubs are incredibly grateful for the sacrifices the two Melbourne teams have made to ensure the 2021 season can continue,” Lee said.
“I’d also like to thank the Sunshine Coast Council who have made this relocation possible and continue to be big supporters of the competition.”
Stay on top of local stories and join an independent news revolution by registering to receive our free daily news feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register.
“We are working with the Council to find ways to provide additional benefits to assist the teams, including training facilities and access to locally trained professional personnel such as physiotherapists.”
Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the arrangement was a great outcome for the two teams and Sunshine Coast Council was delighted to continue its strong relationship with Netball Australia and Suncorp Super Netball.
“It will be a great opportunity for the players to really experience the world class training facilities, sensational natural assets and healthy lifestyle that our Sunshine Coast Lightning team appreciate already,” Cr O’Pray said.
“Hosting elite athletes in training and holding national level sporting events provides tremendous opportunity to showcase our region and confirms the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a sporting event and tourism destination.
The Sunshine Coast Lightning are atop the eight-team Super Netball ladder, while the Magpies are fifth and the Vixens are eighth.
The Lightning host the Magpies on Saturday, June 26, 3pm, at USC Stadium. For tickets see: http://premier.sportsubs.com.au/nnl/lightning/products?productCategoryId=2
