The Minns Labor Government has strengthened its support for First Nations netball, announcing a $50,000 investment in talent identification as part of its commitment to growing stronger, more connected communities across NSW.
The announcement was made at the 2025 Koori Netball Tournament at Charlestown Netball Courts, where more than 5,000 people gathered to celebrate a weekend of netball, family and cultural connection.
The Celebrating First Nations Talent and Culture at Netball program will deliver culturally safe, inclusive and accessible opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people to engage in netball across regional NSW.
Through First Nations Talent Hubs, Koori Gala Days and enhanced opportunities at the Koori Netball Tournament, the project supports participation across playing, coaching and umpiring – creating pathways for the next generation of netball talent.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“Netball is the number one female participation sport in Australia with NSW home to more than a quarter of all players nationally.
"The Minns Labor Government recognises the power of sport to bringing people together in healthy, positive environments.
"These programs promote gender equity, regional opportunity, workforce development and inclusion, playing a critical role in identifying the next generation leaders in the sport.”
The $50,000 investment forms part of a broader $250,000 commitment to Netball NSW, which also includes $200,000 for the Emerging Talent and Pre-Elite Pathways Program. This program supports the delivery of emerging talent and pre-elite pathways for female athletes, umpires and coaches across metropolitan, regional and First Nations communities.
Both projects are funded through the NSW Government’s Project Support Program, which focuses on improving access and participation for underrepresented groups and supporting community sport events across the state.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“This is a fantastic initiative to grow the great sport of netball by boosting participation rates of Aboriginal players.
"This program will help ensure the many talented young First Nations netballers around our state will have more pathway opportunities to realise their potential.”
Minister for Women and Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison said:
“The Koori Netball Tournament in Charlestown this weekend is a great example of First Nations netball talent and the popularity of the sport in our community.
"This funding will be a great boost to the sport – and hopefully, empower more Aboriginal women and girls to participate in netball at all levels.”
Netball NSW Executive General Manager Tim Fava said the funding reinforces the organisation’s commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all aspiring athletes.
“We’re grateful to the NSW Government for this important investment in the next generation of netball talent in NSW.
"This funding will help us continue to deliver high-quality programs that nurture excellence across our emerging and pre-elite pathways, while ensuring athletes from regional, rural and First Nations communities have equitable access to the opportunities they deserve.”
This latest investment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing support for netball, including the $1 million 2027 Netball World Cup Legacy Program, which continues to strengthen grassroots participation and grow the sport for future generations.
Netball NSW
