BCE schools to host two major sporting carnivals in 2027

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools will host two major sporting carnivals when they return to the Gold Coast next year.

Aquinas College, Ashmore has today been announced as the host school for rugby league’s famous Confraternity Carnival in 2027.

St Michael’s College, Merrimac will host the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) Carnival next year.

It will be the second time each of the Colleges has hosted the carnivals which will bring thousands of players, coaching staff and family members to the Gold Coast from Catholic and Independent schools around the state.

Aquinas College is a “Confro” original, winning the first two Confraternity Shields in 1980 and 1981. Aquinas College was one of only six schools to contest the first carnival. The event has grown to feature 56 schools in the boys’ carnival and 16 schools in girls’ divisions.

Confraternity Carnival was played on the Gold Coast for the first time in 2003 before returning in 2014 when Aquinas College made its hosting debut. Future State of Origin player Harry Grant (St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon) featured in that last Gold Coast carnival.

Dozens of Queensland State of Origin players are Confro graduates, including the likes of Grant and his Melbourne Storm teammate Xavier Coates (Marymount College, Burleigh Waters) while the Carnival has produced more than 140 NRL players.

St Michael’s College previously hosted the QISSN carnival in 2007. Next year’s event will be played at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.

St Michael’s College Principal Veronica Wasiak said the 2027 Carnival participants would be welcomed to the Gold Coast.

“The Gold Coast is a stunning place to bring school communities together. This is a celebration of netball excellence and the young people who represent their schools with pride, supported by families, coaches, officials and the wider school community. 

“It’s a week where connection matters as much as competition, and where students create memories that stay with them well beyond the final whistle.”

Aquinas College Principal Marcus Richardson said his school was excited to host Confraternity Carnival for a second time. Games will be played at Runaway Bay.

“We look forward to welcoming Confraternity Carnival back to the Gold Coast,” Mr Richardson said. 

“The Aquinas College community is warm and welcoming and we understand the importance of this carnival for the players, coaches and their families. 

“The Confraternity Carnival is a celebration of sportsmanship, our community and the values that define our Catholic education.”

The 2026 QISSN Carnival will be hosted by another Brisbane Catholic Education school – Emmaus College, Jimboomba – at Nissan Arena from 28 June to 3 July.

The 2026 Confraternity Carnival will be hosted by Marist College, Ashgrove for the first time with the opening ceremony and Mass on Sunday 28 June.

Image caption: Marymount College, Burleigh Heads students competing in the 2025 Confraternity Carnival. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2025).