Regional Meets and Major Carnivals
Throughout the athletic year, all our Hornets have the chance to excel beyond our standard Friday meets by entering regional relays, championships, and elite state events managed by Little Athletics Queensland. This guide details the essential competition schedule for the 2026/2027 calendar. These opportunities are available for all registered HDLA members from U9 up to U17, unless specified for particular ages.
Review available events for your age class. Email highfieldsanddistrictlittleathletics@hotmail.com if you need any assistance.
Our Local Regional Events
Downs & South West District
Highfields & District Little Athletics is a proud member of the Downs & South West Region, joining clubs like Warwick, Toowoomba, Upper Lockyer, Roma, Laidley, and Granite Belt.
HART Regional Relays
Date: Sunday 8 November 2026 Â Â Venue: Kratzke Road Recreation Reserve, Highfields
The Regional Relays focus on teamwork, with participants forming squads to represent our local centre. We are thrilled to host the Downs & South West Regional Relays at our track this season. Winning teams earn the right to advance to the McDonald's State Relay Championships in December, representing our entire regional community.
HART Regional Track & Field
Date: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February 2027   Venue: Faith Lutheran College, Plainland   Nominations close: Monday 26 January 2027
At the Regional Championships, athletes enter individual track and field disciplines to showcase their skills. Securing a top four finish or hitting a specific performance standard qualifies you for the State Championships in March. It is a highlight of our season. Contact highfieldsanddistrictlittleathletics@hotmail.com for training schedules.
State Level Tournaments
McDonald's State Relay Championships
Date: Saturday 12 December 2026   Venue: SAF Stadium, QSAC, Brisbane   Nominations close: Monday 30 November 2026
The McDonald's State Relay Championships gather the best teams across Queensland at the top athletic stadium in the state. This event is known for its high energy and prestige. Eligibility requires a top regional finish (1st-3rd for track; 1st-2nd for field). All entries are managed by the club. If you qualify but cannot go, email highfieldsanddistrictlittleathletics@hotmail.com promptly.
McDonald's State Championships
Date: Friday 19 to Sunday 21 March 2027   Venue: Townsville Sports Precinct, Burke Street, Townsville   Nominations close: Monday 1 March 2027
The McDonald's State Championships represent the pinnacle of the LAQ season. Qualified athletes compete over a full weekend against the finest talent in Queensland. Qualification is based on placing 1st to 4th at Regionals or reaching the performance benchmark. The entry fee is $7 per event and must be paid to the club. For payment info, contact highfieldsanddistrictlittleathletics@hotmail.com.
McDonald's State Combined Event Showcase
The Combined Event Championships is a premier fixture for multi-talented athletes wanting to test their versatility. Tailored for U9-U17 members, the event discourages early specialization and favors all-round skill development. The number of disciplines grows with each age group, ensuring athletes are challenged appropriately as they mature. For entry forms, use highfieldsanddistrictlittleathletics@hotmail.com.
LAQ Open Carnival Series
LAQ hosts several open-entry carnivals each season. No pre-qualification is needed; simply register via the club and enjoy the day. These meets offer fantastic experience for new and returning athletes in a social setting.
Coles Winter Carnival
Date: June 2026 Â Â Venue: Townsville
The year begins with the Winter Carnival in Townsville. Open to all U7-U17 LAQ members. Details available at the LAQ website.
Coles Spring Carnival
Date: September 2026 Â Â Venue: Bundaberg
The Coles Spring Carnival heads to Bundaberg for a spirited day of sport. This competition is reserved for registered U7 to U17 athletes looking to build their confidence and skills. For registration queries, email highfieldsanddistrictlittleathletics@hotmail.com.
Coles Summer Carnival Series
Series One: 24 Oct 2026, Brisbane   Series Two: 28 Nov 2026, Runaway Bay
The Coles Summer Series provides U9 to U17 athletes with two separate dates to focus on their best events. It is a perfect mixture of friendly rivalry and high-quality competition. Visit the official LAQ site for a full program.