First Nations Round in the Suncorp Super Netball calendar is always a standout — a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, storytelling, and connection through sport. But for Netball NSW, it's more than just a themed round. It's part of an ongoing commitment to elevate First Nations voices and embed cultural recognition into the heart of everything we do.
This year marked a powerful milestone, with Netball NSW unveiling its official Aboriginal artwork Harmony on the Court. Designed to reflect unity, community, and movement, the artwork now proudly features across the organisation — from staff uniforms and Premier League umpire gear to our State Team dresses and even the walls of Netball Central itself.
The celebration continued on court as both GIANTS Netball and the NSW Swifts revealed their 2025 First Nations Round dresses, each design telling a unique story of culture, Country and identity — and honouring the connection between netball and community.
GIANTS Netball recently held their First Nations Dress launch at Netball Central with in proud Gamilaroi woman Krystal Dallinger introducing the story behind this year’s design which the team will wear it at their home game this Saturday night against the West Coast Fever.
‘’The story for this year's design is an ode to our warrior women. With the centerpiece holding a resemblance to a traditional wooden shield,’’ said Krystal
“The yellow line patterns at the top of the dress is my representation of the different ochre patterns that both men and women would wear during ceremonial celebrations.”
“The shield and the patterns within it are a symbol of the harmonious structures that Aboriginal culture has, with its traditions, men’s and women’s business and the roles set within communities.”
“I wanted to make sure to represent these balances as it resembles the balance of a team. Everyone has a role to play when it comes to being a successful team.”
Read the story of GIANTS Netball Dress design here
The NSW Swifts will wear their First Nations Dress, which has been designed by long-time collaborator Rheanna Lotter of Ngandabaa Aboriginal Art, in their top of the table clash with the Sunshine Coast Lightening in Queensland on Saturday night.
Lotter, a proud Yuin woman and the founder of Ngandabaa, has been part of the Swifts Family since being commissioned to produce First Nations Round gifts in 2023 and 2024.
Lotter, a self-confessed Swifts fan, said she was delighted to be working with the Club again.
“I really cherish the collaboration we have been able to build over the past number of years and the connection that’s come with that,” she said.
“When working with the Swifts, especially during our art sessions, you can tell that they are really engaged and want to learn as much as they can.”
“It is clear that it’s not just about wearing a dress. They want to fully understand why First Nations Rounds exist and what we need to do to ensure we continue on the right path towards Reconciliation.”
Read the story behind NSW Swifts Dress here
This year Netball NSW also introduced the organisations Aborginal Artwork, Harmony on the Court, which has been integrated into various elements of Netball NSW. Our staff uniform, Premier League Umpire Uniforms and our State Teams Dresses all have the artwork woven in. Netball Central has also been transformed with the artwork taking centre stage in the venue.
Designed by Chloe Eastwood and Tay-la Shearley of Bindi Bindi Art, the design depicts vibrant hues and intricate Aboriginal designs, transforming a netball court into sacred ground.
Harmony on the Court embraces the colours of Netball NSW while reflecting the land, waterways, and natural fauna found across the state. It showcases the unity and diversity of Associations and Clubs, engaging participants, creating community and life-long connections.
Read more about Netball NSW First Nations Netball here
