Queensland Maroons Women to Host First-Ever Footy Fest in Hervey Bay

The Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons women's squad will bring elite rugby league to regional Queensland next weekend, hosting the first-ever Footy Fest in Hervey Bay on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

The Details

The inaugural event will run from 10 am to 1 pm at the Hervey Bay Seagulls grounds, giving local fans direct access to the state representative squad. The Footy Fest is partnered with the Fraser Coast Regional Council and is being held alongside the region's junior rugby league fixtures to create a unified community experience.

Maroons player Jada Ferguson, herself a Toowoomba junior, travelled to Hervey Bay ahead of the event to officially announce the Footy Fest. During her visit, Ferguson participated in a Harvey Norman girls training clinic, running drills and working directly with young local players.

Ferguson said she was eager for her teammates to experience the region. "I'm very excited for the rest of the team to come out here and experience just how good the Fraser Coast is," she said. "We were welcomed with open arms. The ninth of May couldn't come quicker; it's sure to be a fantastic day that will have an immense impact on the region as well as our playing group."

The event arrives as girls' rugby league participation in the Fraser Coast region has grown substantially. Harvey Norman Sponsorships General Manager Samantha Waters said the numbers reflect that momentum. "We've seen the Fraser Coast increase 160% in girls' participation aged 5-18 from 2023 to 2025," Waters said.

Context

The Hervey Bay Footy Fest continues the Queensland Rugby League's broader commitment to taking elite players into regional communities. The Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons launched their 2025 campaign in Kingaroy under the same Footy Fest concept, which is designed to connect representative players with junior clubs outside the major metropolitan centres.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the council was proud to support the initiative and underscored the economic and community value of hosting the squad. "The council is thrilled to welcome such elite athletes to our region and are proud to partner with the Harvey Norman Maroons Fan Day," Seymour said. He added that hosting events of this kind delivers real benefits for local businesses, supports jobs, and showcases the region to a wider audience.

Ferguson, who plays as a five-eighth or hooker for the Brisbane Broncos, earned her Queensland Maroons debut during the 2025 State of Origin series. Born in Toowoomba on 8 July 2002, she represents a direct pathway from regional junior rugby league to the highest level of the women's game.

What's Next

The Footy Fest at Hervey Bay Seagulls grounds will run from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The event is open to the public and integrated with the Fraser Coast junior rugby league fixtures, allowing families and local players to attend games and meet the Maroons squad on the same day. Fraser Coast Regional Council has indicated continued interest in partnering with the QRL on future regional events.