CQUniversity partners with Independent Schools to host annual sporting carnivals

CQUniversity has partnered with Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) and Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League (QISSRL) to host the annual QISSN Carnival and QISSRL Confraternity carnival.

Held annually' the carnivals see mainly senior students from Independent schools across Queensland compete in netball and rugby league tournaments - CQUniversity has jumped on board as the official naming rights sponsor for 2021-2023.

CQUniversity Associate Vice-President (South East Queensland) Chris Veraa said the three-year partnership was a logical extension of the relationship that CQUniversity enjoys with schools across its key regions.

'We are thrilled to partner as naming rights sponsor of one of the largest school sporting events held in Queensland'' Mr Veraa said.

'CQUniversity takes great pride in supporting local communities and economies and the QISSN and QISSWL carnivals will inject many benefits to the communities in which they will be hosted each year'' he explained.

This year's Rugby League carnival will be held at Iona College' whilst the Netball carnival will be at Nissan Arena hosted by St James College in Brisbane from June 27 to July 2.

'With our CQUniversity footprint stretching across multiple locations inside and outside of Queensland' partnering with the QISSN and QISSRL tournaments give us an exciting opportunity to engage with local schools across our footprint.

'The partnership aims to deliver social' educational and community benefits for all partners.'

Mr Veraa said one 'very exciting' aspect of the partnership was the provision of CQUniversity scholarships to some of the QISSRL and QISSN participants to elevate the next steps in their educational journeys.

'As one of Australia's most accessible and engaged universities with a footprint spanning five states of Australia' we're well-placed to offer QISSRL and QISSN students with flexibility' accessibility and support in their life after school whether they choose a University or TAFE pathway.'

Principal of St James College' Ann Rebgetz said QISSN has had an amazing journey since its inception 21 years ago – from a very small beginning it has flourished into one of the largest school Netball Carnivals across the country.

It involves 64 independent secondary schools providing high level competition' along with eight divisions facilitating success and participation at a range of levels.

'The Carnival has been noted by Netball Queensland as a leader in producing champion netballers' such as Gemma Mimi' Amelianne Wells' Candice Adams' Lara Nilsson. We have been privileged to have Vicki Wilson OAM and Tracey Bruce as selectors of our Rising Stars and All Stars over the last five years' Ms Rebgetz.

'This competition has been a highlight for many schools' providing a week of netball bliss' camaraderie' sporting challenge' team spirit' enhanced by the opportunity to broaden horizons and make new friends. It has been a boost for many communities as we have different host schools and regions each year.

'Our partnership with CQUniversity is an exciting development as we absolutely promote educational pathways for all our students' and acknowledge the benefits of a sporting/ university partnership and the possible fulfilment and creation of future dreams.'

Ms Rebgetz said QISSN and QISSRL had been recognised in the Community Australia Day Awards in regional areas.

'We are grateful to CQUniversity for their sponsorship of our wonderful community events. It further lifts our profile and the aspirations of our students.'

QISSRL President Peter Elmore said the partnership with CQUniversity underlined the growth of rugby league's Confraternity Carnival since the inaugural gathering brought together six schools in 1980. The 40th Confraternity Carnival in Bundaberg in 2019 drew more than 1000 boys from 48 schools across Queensland.

The Carnival has become one of the best-known schoolboy rugby league nurseries in the country. Dozens of graduates have gone on to represent Queensland at State of Origin level and Australia.

'We welcome CQUniversity as the naming rights sponsor of a Carnival that has been a positive experience in the lives of so many young families over 40 years'' Mr Elmore said.

'The Carnival is about more than rugby league. It's a true confraternity in the way that it brings together schools from across Queensland in an environment in which sportsmanship' respect and fellowship are most highly valued. We look forward to partnering with CQUniversity for the next three years.'

The 2022 carnivals will be held in Mackay' and a venue for the 2023 carnival is yet to be determined.