Netball NSW is excited to announce the appointment of Courtney Goolagong as the organisation’s inaugural First Nations Program Manager, strengthening the connection between First Nations communities and the sport across New South Wales.
A proud Biripi woman who grew up on Dharawal Country in the Camden–Campbelltown area, Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the newly created role, having held several identified positions across the education and industry sectors.
Courtney is also no stranger to netball — she has represented Australia as a Black Swan, played for NSW in the Under 19s, and competed at Premier League level. Her deep understanding of the game, combined with her community and cultural expertise, positions her strongly to guide Netball NSW’s ongoing reconciliation journey.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Courtney to the Netball NSW team,” said Trish Crews, Executive General Manager – Communities, Netball NSW.
“This role represents a meaningful commitment to embedding reconciliation, respect and representation across everything we do. Courtney’s experience, leadership and passion will help us build stronger, more culturally safe connections with First Nations communities right across the state.”
The First Nations Program Manager role sits within the organisation’s Communities team, working across all areas of the business. In this position, Courtney will lead the design and implementation of Netball NSW’s First Nations strategies, with a particular focus on increasing participation and representation of First Nations peoples in all levels and facets of the game.
She will also oversee the Netball NSW Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), facilitate the RAP Working Group and the Aboriginal Advisory Group, and play a central role in developing and delivering community programs that have direct and lasting impact within First Nations communities.
The position has been partly funded by the NSW Government’s Office of Sport as part of its efforts to support sports to provide fair, safe and inclusive environments that encourage participation.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“The appointment of Netball NSW’s inaugural First Nations Program Manager is a significant step towards creating more inclusive pathways in sport.
“This appointment, supported by the NSW Office of Sport, aligns strongly with their Reconciliation Action Plan commitments to work with State Sporting Organisations to increase opportunities for First Nations people on and off the court.
“The position will help ensure First Nations voices, stories and communities are represented at every level of the game.
“This is a significant step forward in strengthening pathways and creating more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in and lead within sport, supporting other existing initiatives like the Koori Netball Tournament and Indigenous Emerging Talent programs.”
Courtney commenced with Netball NSW this month and will be based at the organisation’s headquarters at Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park.
Frances Cordaro, Netball NSW
