Netball SA has launched an expanded First Nations Framework for 2023, building on the inaugural framework from 2022.
The strategy is designed to assist in actively contributing to increased participation rates and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers in South Australia.
The 2022 Framework championed the introduction of Netball SA’s First Nations Clinics, First Nations Athlete Participation Scholarships, the inaugural Rising Sisters Aboriginal Netball Program, and the return of the Nunga Netball Carnival.
It also supported the continuation of several activities including collaboration with local artists in the Adelaide Thunderbirds space, and the celebration of First Nations Round in both Suncorp Super Netball and The Hospital Research Foundation Group Premier League competitions.
Netball SA staff, Adelaide Thunderbirds athletes and board members also undertook cultural awareness sessions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture.
Each of these initiatives will continue in 2023, with the addition of a new uniform design to be rolled out at all levels of the Netball SA pathway.
Created by artist Shane Cook in conjunction with key stakeholders within the SA netball community, the design is symbolic of the pathway and will be included on the playing dresses for the SA State Teams, SA Rubies, the Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures, and the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Netball SA CEO Bronwyn Klei said the organisation was committed to expanding the Framework once again in 2023.
“In 2022, we hosted 63 teams at Netball SA Stadium for the Nunga Netball Carnival and supported 14 recipients of our First Nations Athlete Participation Scholarship,” Ms Klei said.
“We also welcomed 20 young netballers into our inaugural Rising Sisters Aboriginal Netball Program and six of those were recently named in our Adelaide Thunderbirds Talent Academy.
“We look forward to continuing these initiatives in 2023 and introducing a new symbolic uniform design across all of our pathway teams up to the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
“As a sport, it’s important we continue to do everything we can to create opportunities for young First Nations athletes to grow and thrive in netball.
“Hopefully we will see one of our Rising Sisters athletes pull on the pink dress in the future.”
