Waradas - NSW First Nations State Team

The Waradas are the product of the Netball NSW First Nations Emerging Talent Program, a development initiative that supports First Nations athletes with both technical netball skills and important off-court foundations in health, wellbeing and performance behaviours. 

This pathway is delivering results, with athletes from the Waradas earning selection in the national Black Swans team.

The Waradas contested and won the national First Nations Netball Tournament, held for the second time in 2025 in Victoria. 

Netball NSW’s commitment also extends beyond the playing group, with First Nations umpires included in the pathway program. 

Thanks to the support of Netball NSW partner FDC, who support the team’s participation. 

2025 Waradas - NSW First Nations Team 

Jaylah Boney, Ngemba/Barkandji, Newcastle Netball Association 
Acacia Elers, Worimi, Awabakal, Newcastle Netball Association
Mia Evans, Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi, Illawarra District Netball Association  
Jayda Grant, Wiradjuri, Wyong District Netball Association 
Phoebe Hickson, Dunghutti/Werunjeri, Penrith District Netball Association 
Tahlia Robertson, Whadjuk, Sutherland Shire Netball Association 
Charlotte Ryan, Dharawal, Randwick Netball Association
Ellie Stacey, Wonnarua, Newcastle Netball Association
Lily-Louise Walker, Wayilwan & Wiradjuri, Newcastle Netball Association
Alirah Watton, Gamilaroi, Dubbo Netball Association

Coach - Colleen Mitchell, Worimi, Ku-Ring-Gai Netball Association 
Assistant Coach – Kellyann Huggins, Gomeroi, Maitland Netball Association. 
Umpire - Mark Munnich, Yawuru/Gunggandji/Yued, Northern Suburbs Netball Association 
Umpire - Mackenzie Knox, Kamilaroi, Narrabri Netball Association

2024 Waradas - NSW First Nations Team 

Acacia Elers - Newcastle/Worimi
Alirah Watton - Dubbo/Gamilaroi 
Ayla Clark - Sutherland Shire/Worimi
Charlotte Ryan - Randwick/Dharawal
Ellie Stacey - Maitland District/Wonnarua
Jayda Grant - Wyong District/Wiradjuri
Jaylah Boney - Charlestown/Ngemba/Barkinji
Mia Evans - Illawarra District/Kamilaroi
Sarah Graham - Newcastle/Biripi
Tahlia Robertson - Sutherland Shire/Noongar