A four-week Netball NSW clinic in Griffith has opened the door to an exciting new pathway for 10-year-old Jabez Serewai, whose talent was identified almost immediately during sessions designed to support migrant women and their children.
Jabez attended the clinic with her mother, Alelia Tuimoala, after the family recently migrated to Australia from Fiji. Having played netball at school in Fiji, Jabez quickly stood out for her energy, skill and natural ability on court.
“Netball has made Jabez feel at home,” Alelia said. “As we have tried to settle in, netball has been a very good experience for us.”
Led by Netball NSW Regional Manager Amanda McLachlan, the clinic created space for both mothers and daughters to participate together. As sessions progressed, Jabez’s talent became clear, and she was soon connected with the Griffith Netball Association.
“Jabez picked up the skills very quickly and showed great potential, particularly in the shooting circle,” McLachlan said. “She was engaged, energetic and loved being on court.”
As a result, Jabez has now been invited to join the Griffith under-11 development squad – an important stepping stone towards representative netball. The program will give her exposure to structured training, development carnivals and the representative pathway.
For Alelia, the opportunity has been both exciting and deeply meaningful.
“I’m so grateful – coming from a small island community, it has been a great opportunity,” she said. “Jabez is very active and just loves sports. She’s also a great swimmer, so to see her get this chance through netball means so much to us.”
Netball NSW is committed to supporting Jabez on her journey, assisting with her Netball NSW registration costs, while Griffith Netball Association has subsidised her development squad fees, including uniform and equipment.
“We were very excited to hear about the netball clinic and look forward to seeing what happens for Jabez now that she is in the development squad,” Alelia said.
Beyond performance, the experience is also opening new doors for the family, including travel to regional carnivals and the chance to build friendships across the Riverina.
For Netball NSW, Jabez’s story highlights the power of inclusive programs and the role sport can play in helping migrant families settle, connect and dream big.
“This is exactly why these programs matter,” McLachlan said. “It’s about opportunity, belonging and showing young people what’s possible through sport.”
During the GIANTS Netball Riverina tour Jabez, with assistance from Netball NSW, was given the opportunity to attend both a clinic and the GIANTS Netball match in Griffith against the Queensland Firebirds, Jabez was able to experience elite netball up close.
The moment became even more special when she was given the opportunity to deliver the match ball ahead of the game — a memorable experience that further reinforced what is possible through the sport.
For Jabez and her family, the experience was not just about netball, but about feeling welcomed, supported and inspired as they continue to build their new life in Australia.
