MidCoast Council has confirmed a three-year sponsorship with Bowls NSW to host the Women's State Carnival from 2026 - 2028.
The sponsorship agreement continues on from the success of the 2025 State Carnival which saw record participation numbers with over 1,000 female bowlers taking to the greens across more than 10 bowling clubs in the Barrington Coast region.
The Women's State Carnival is the largest all-female bowls participation event in the country, with a long history spanning over 90 years. MidCoast Council Mayor, Claire Pontin, says entering into the 3-year partnership is a coup for the region, delivering significant economic and tourism benefits.
"We're excited to work with Bowls NSW on delivering this premier sporting event, and look forward to welcoming bowlers from across the state and beyond.
"It's a great opportunity for the local community to engage, not only through participation but as volunteers, spectators, supporters and hosts to participating family and friends", Mayor Pontin said.
As well as seeing an expected $7.67million economic injection as a result of the three year partnership, the region will welcome more than 3,700 visitors – equating to 15,076 bed nights.
Bowls NSW CEO Tim Rowe welcomed the sponsorship announcement that will see the event stay in the Barrington Coast region for the next three years.
"We're thrilled to see the Women's State Carnival remain in the Barrington Coast Region. The partnership with MidCoast Council and our wonderful host venues has been instrumental in the event's success, seeing consistent growth and record participation numbers."
"The State Carnival has a proud history spanning more than 90 years and is a true celebration of female participation in bowls. We look forward to working with Council and our host venues in delivering this fantastic event."
The 2026 Women's State Carnival will take place from Monday 4 - Friday 8 May at multiple clubs across the Region, with Forster Bowling Club the main event host.
