Last month Netball NSW celebrated First Nations round, coinciding with National Reconciliation Week where the theme was ‘Be A Voice for Generations’. Premier League, Metro League and Netball NSW came together to recognise the histories, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the sport of netball and to the nation.
Just outside Netball Central, teams, match officials and Netball NSW staff gathered for the Offficial Opening. A Welcome to Country and Traditional Smoking Ceremony was performed by proud Dharug and Dhunghutti woman, Auntie Kerrie Kenton, followed by a special didgeridoo performance by Tony Summerfield, to officially open the 2023 Netball NSW Premier League First Nations Round. A Welcome to Country and Didgeridoo performance preceded both matches with teams and match officials standing in formation.
As part of First Nations Round across both Metro and Premier League Netball NSW ran an activity wall based on National Reconciliation Week’s activity, ‘Be a Voice for Generations – What Will You Say?’. Posters were displayed around the venue on how everyone can ‘Be A Voice for Generations’ and actions everyone can take to be a voice for reconciliation every day of the year.
As a demonstration of Netball NSW’s commitment to our Aboriginal communities, all ticket sales from Premier League matches, Premier League Bench Officials match fees and A badge Umpire match fees from First Nations Rounds are being donated to Redfern Jarjum College, raising a total of $2228.
While some Premier League teams celebrated through artwork, achievements and culture, others engaged in First Nations education including completing the Netball NSW C.A.R.E Program.
North Shore United player Ash Fong shared the experience of Netball NSW Premier League First Nations round:
“This season, North Shore United are proudly wearing a playing uniform featuring commissioned artwork designed by Kerrie Kenton, an artist of the Darug and Dhunghutti Nations. Kerri has been involved in First Nations education and reconciliation, being connected to the Hornsby Area Residents for Reconciliation (HARR). Her artwork tells a story she felt most appropriate to young netballers learning the game, supporting others and showcasing their skills”
“Players and coaching staff have also engaged in First Nations education, completing the C.A.R.E. program implemented by Netball NSW this year. Through listening to the stories and experiences of First Nations players in the netball community, the club have learnt how to create an inclusive space and the importance of being advocates for First Nations communities.”
South Coast Blaze have an Indigenous logo that they wear proudly on their dresses every week and told the story of what the logo represents:
“Above the club’s name sits the gathering symbol connecting all those involved with Blaze. The gathering symbols contain “people” in red and flames in between representing “strength” & “commitment”. Underneath the club name are three waves with dots which represent the connection to the South Coast “Sea Country”.
South Coast Blaze spoke to three of their First Nations athletes who all expressed the important role of National Reconciliation Week. Mia Evans shared a ‘Blaze Message’ – a phrase she felt relates to herself and to the Blaze Community:
“Pama Nyungan Wiredhuric, meaning family and the special connection our kinship has to our spiritual and cultural belonging”
Both Sutherland Stingrays and ERNA Hawks wore specially designed bibs. Stingrays had the extra special touch of these bibs being designed by one of their own, First Nations athlete Emma Smith, who also presented the bibs to the teams on the night, speaking to the teams about recognising the importance of this round and embracing First Nations culture.
Central Coast Heart players shared histories, cultures, achievements, and explored through art and collaboration how each of them can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Also reiterating the importance of:
“carrying out the work of those who came before us and using our power, our words, and our actions to move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Panthers brought their Premier League and Penrith District Metro League teams together for a meeting with an Indigenous Elder, and gifted a message stick to ERNA Hawks before their match. Message Sticks are a form of communication used traditionally by Aboriginal People to send messages between Nations, Clans, Language Groups, and even within Clans.
Netball NSW Premier League thanks all the teams and the supporters for their contribution to this year’s First Nations Round.
To learn more Netball NSW C.A.R.E program please click here
To learn more about Redfern Jarjum College please click here
