Australia's green and gold decade has added another major event with Queensland to host the Women's Softball World Cup in 2027.
The women's tournament will be the first time Australia's hosted the event since the inaugural 1965 Softball World Cup in Melbourne - where the national women's team won gold.
Currently ranked tenth in the world, the Aussie Spirit will be swinging for another gold - and potentially a spot at Los Angeles 2028 - at Redcliffe's Talobilla Park.
The event will be held in two thrilling stages, with Australia set to host part two - the Championship Finals - where eight teams will pursue gold.
The Australian and Queensland Governments have invested $750,000 towards the World Cup which will attract thousands of players, officials and spectators from across the globe. The City of Moreton Bay is also investing in the event.
Through the new National Sport Strategy, Sport Horizon, the Albanese Government is committed to showcasing Australia's great athletes on the world stage, particularly our female competitors.
It all starts at the grassroots, with our Government investing in the next generation across a range of sports, through the $200 million Play Our Way fund for women's and girls' sport infrastructure.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications and Sport, Anika Wells:
"We are committed to investing in women's sport, whether that's at a global or grassroots level - and I'm proud we've been able to help secure the Women's Softball World Cup Finals for 2027.
"The Softball World Cup will build on our successful hosting of the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023, the Women's Asian Cup next year, the Netball World Cup in 2027 and Women's Rugby World Cup in 2029 - all events the Albanese Government has invested tens of millions of dollars to host.
"This event means our Aussie Spirit side can have home support for what will be the first Softball World Cup in Australia since 1965."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Sport, Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander:
"We want to see more global sporting events call Queensland home over the next seven years to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Women's Softball World Cup is a perfect fit.
"This is a sport with a strong Olympic history, having been included in the Games in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2020, and it's fantastic to see it returning at LA 2028.
"We all remember the impact of the Matildas in 2023 and competing on home turf in a Softball World Cup in 2027 will inspire more young women to emulate their sporting heroes on the field."
Quotes attributable to Member for Petrie, Emma Comer MP:
"The 2027 Softball World Cup is an incredible opportunity for this part of the world. It's a chance to showcase Australia's world-class athletes on the international stage, right here in our own backyard.
"I'm proud to host the World Cup here in Moreton Bay. The $4.8 million investment into Talobilla Park means players and spectators alike will enjoy world-class facilities, capable of welcoming international travellers to deliver a welcome economic boost and leaving a lasting legacy for the community."
Quotes attributable to City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery:
"We are thrilled to be hosting this major international women's sporting event, which will boost participation in softball locally and showcase our facilities at Talobilla Park at Kippa-Ring, including a new softball clubhouse.
"With eight countries competing, our community will get to see many of the sport's greatest athletes in action while our local businesses will benefit from increased tourist activity.
Quotes attributable to Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh:
"The return of the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup to Australian soil is a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation with Olympic dreams, boost grassroots participation and deliver lasting benefits to local communities.
"The strong support from all levels of Government to bring the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup to Brisbane is both welcome and vital."
