Communities from across New South Wales reconnected in Charlestown over the weekend as the 27th annual Koori Netball Tournament once again brought together players, families, coaches, umpires and supporters in a celebration of netball, culture and connection.
Delivered by Charlestown Netball Association with support from Netball NSW and the NSW Office of Sport, the tournament welcomed 132 teams and 1,652 registered participants from metropolitan, regional and remote communities for two days of competition and community.
From Saturday's Opening Ceremony through to Sunday's finals and presentations, the event showcased the unique spirit that has made the Koori Netball Tournament a fixture on the First Nations sporting calendar for more than a quarter of a century. Across the weekend, teams competed across junior, women's and mixed divisions, with players of all ages taking to the court in front of passionate supporters.
In a showcase of skill and sportsmanship, #4Voguey claimed the Women's Division 1 title, while Malikas were crowned Mixed Division 1 champions. Newcastle Pambilang and DAK finished as runners-up in their respective divisions.
Netball NSW First Nations Program Manager Courtney Goolagong said the tournament continued to provide an important opportunity for communities to come together through netball.
"The Koori Netball Tournament is always a special weekend because it brings mob and communities together through a shared love of netball while creating opportunities to reconnect with family, friends and culture.
"It was incredible to see so many players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and supporters come together in Charlestown once again for a great weekend of netball. The talent, energy and fun on display throughout the tournament are what make this event so enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved."
The tournament once again highlighted the important role netball plays in strengthening community connections while creating opportunities for participants to develop as players, coaches and umpires. Rachal Allan, Senior Project Officer Aboriginal Outcomes at the NSW Office of Sport, said the event remained an important celebration of culture and community.
"The Koori Netball Tournament continues to be an important opportunity for Aboriginal families and communities across NSW to come together, celebrate culture and strengthen connections on Country through sport.
"It was fantastic to see players, families, supporters, volunteers and officials from across New South Wales gather on Awabakal Country for another successful tournament.
"Events like this embody the spirit of the Office of Sport's Play on Country strategy, recognising the unique role sport can play in strengthening connection to Country, culture and community, while creating opportunities for participation, wellbeing, leadership and pathways for Aboriginal people both on and off the court.
"The Office of Sport is proud to support the tournament alongside Charlestown Netball Association and Netball NSW, whose ongoing commitment has helped ensure the tournament remains a highlight on the Aboriginal sporting calendar."
The success of the tournament would not have been possible without the efforts of volunteers, officials, coaches, umpires, supporters and community members who contributed throughout the weekend. As presentations concluded on Sunday afternoon, the lasting impact of the tournament extended well beyond the final whistle.
And for another year, the Koori Netball Tournament provided a space for communities to come together, celebrate culture and strengthen the connections that continue to make the event so special.
Tournament Results
Women's Division 1
Winners: #4Voguey
Runners-Up: Newcastle Pambilang
Mixed Division 1
Winners: Malikas
Runners-Up: DAK
Women's Division 2
Winners: La Pa Lovelies
Runners-Up: Wonnorua Wayila
Junior Divisions
10 Years Mixed
Winners: Kulang Bubs
Runners-Up: La Pa Lovelies
11-12 Years Mixed
Winners: Hunter Brolgas
Runners-Up: Narromine Honey Bees
13-15 Years Girls
Winners: Tidda Girls
Runners-Up: Mixed Mob
13-15 Years Mixed
Winners: Di Dis 15 Years
Runners-Up: Dharawal Deadlys Gunninggwirr
