As a member of Netball Victoria's First Nations Advisory Group, netball is a huge part of Belinda Hayden’s life, and she’s always looking for exciting ways to be involved in the sport locally and internationally.
This past February-March, the Njaki-Njaki Noongar woman who lives in Ballarat/Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country, played in the Tiare Netball Celebration: a week-long, adult netball tournament in the Cook Islands hosted by Pacific Sport Celebrations.
Hayden’s Over 50s women’s team the Djookyaans (meaning ‘sisters’ in the Noongar language) was made up of friends all from the First Nations community, including fellow Netball Victoria First Nations Advisory Group member Liz Laguerre, who all signed up to relax, connect, be active, and most importantly have fun while holidaying overseas.
The occasion was especially meaningful to Hayden after a previous international trip to Golden Oldies World Netball Festival held in Hawaii in 2020 that was cut short due to COVID-19.
On that trip was Lee Wanganeen, a pillar of the Echuca and national Indigenous netball community, who passed away in 2022.
“She was more like a sister to me. We called each other besties — she was my bestie and I was her bestie,” said Hayden. “She is truly missed.”
At Tiare Netball Celebration, Hayden and her sisters played in Wanganeen’s honour.
Teams from Australia, New Zealand, and Cook Islands competed at Tiare across women’s, men’s and mixed grades at the event, spanning multiple age groups and a walking netball division.
“The atmosphere was very relaxing when you go and play,” said Hayden. “You laugh on the court and off the court.”
Matches occurred every second day, so there was plenty of downtime to connect with other teams and explore Rarotonga.
The tournament was not only a celebration of netball, but a showcase of the Cook Islands’ culture especially at the opening and closing events.
“The culture — oh my goodness — it's so great to see the difference in the other cultures. … It was the atmosphere, the clothing that they wear to celebrate, and everyone joining in. It was so friendly,” said Hayden.
“It's a week of fun, so it's dancing, singing, and playing netball of course first and foremost, but after that it’s the joy of just sitting, yarning, and mixing with the other women.”
Beyond Tiare, Hayden regularly competes in tournaments such as the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd (VASCAL) carnival to remain active and involved in her community.
“I'm always looking for things to do because I think it's important. As we get older, we still need to be involved and keeping ourselves fit… It keeps us healthy and giving back to our young kids, young girls, and women in sport.”
Hayden said joining the Netball Victoria's First Nations Advisory Group “is the best thing she’s ever done” after having children, allowing her to make a meaningful impact in improving the representation of First Nations people and their experiences in the pathway.
Just a few years since the advisory group’s establishment, Hayden is already seeing significant change.
2024 saw Victoria compete at Netball Australia’s inaugural First Nations Tournament, with Hayden stepping in as assistant coach of the Victorian side, and her granddaughter Alkira Clark-Kickett competing.
Hayden was proud to see many faces at the tournament who have previously been part of the Budgies National Indigenous Netball Carnival that she co-founded in 2004.
“These young girls now have the opportunity to take it that step further with the Black Swans [national First Nations team],” Hayden said. “There’s so many pathways for our women in netball now, and for our junior grassroots players to look forward to.”
The Djookyaans have committed to playing at Tiare Netball Celebration every two years, possibly with Hayden’s daughters and granddaughters in tow in 2027.
Until then, Hayden will continue championing First Nations’ involvement in netball at home, at Netball Victoria, and out on court.
Find out more about Netball Victoria's First Nations programs and advisory group.
Nominate someone in your community who creates an inclusive environment for all in this year's Netball Victoria Community Awards.
