Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are invited to hit the court, have fun and learn from leading First Nations coaches at two free Koorie netball clinics in Albury and Shepparton this week.
Delivered by Netball Victoria in partnership with RACV, the clinics will bring community together in a culturally safe and welcoming environment. From first-time participants to those already involved in the game, everyone will have the chance to build skills, make connections and discover where netball could take them.
The free clinics are open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander participants aged 5–17, with families and community members encouraged to come along. Umpiring workshops will also be available for participants aged 12 and over.
The Introduction to Umpiring workshop is designed for beginners who know some of the rules but have little or no umpiring experience. Participants will practise whistle technique and hand signals, learn how to call infringements and set sanctions, and build confidence with positioning on court.
The clinics are all about having fun, building skills and confidence, and connecting through culture.
Wiradjuri clinic — Albury
When: Wednesday 30 September, 10am–12pm
Where: Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, 229 North Street, Albury
Coach: Natasha Clemson
Proud Wiradjuri woman Natasha Clemson brings 15 years of coaching experience across sports including netball and league tag to the Albury clinic.
Natasha said the clinic would provide a relaxed and supportive space where young people could get involved, whatever their level of experience.
“For me, it’s about making sure everyone feels comfortable, welcome and ready to have a go,” Natasha said. “You don’t need to have played before. Just come along, meet people and enjoy being on court.”
Natasha’s 13-year-old daughter will also help out at the clinic, bringing a young player’s perspective to the session.
“Having my daughter there means participants will also hear from someone closer to their own age,” Natasha said. “We want everyone to have fun, see what’s possible and know there are pathways for them in netball.”
Together, they will create a welcoming day that combines netball, culture and connection.
The Albury umpiring workshop will be facilitated by Aunty Trish (Trish Cerminara), a proud Gamilaroi woman with 50 years of umpiring experience and a B Grade badge.
Driven by a passion for helping young people succeed, Aunty Trish has mentored and developed umpires, served as president of AINA, supported Netball Victoria testing panels and created accreditation opportunities through workshops and the Swans Classic carnival, which hosted more than 130 teams.
Her contribution to netball and the wider community has been recognised with a Netball Victoria state award and a regional Woman of the Year award. She believes every player should try umpiring to deepen their understanding of the game and develop respect for officials.
Yorta Yorta clinic — Shepparton
When: Thursday 1 October, 10am–12pm
Where: Rumbalara, 20 Mercury Drive, Shepparton
Coaches: Jessica Bamblett and Jaydah Wanganeen
The Shepparton clinic will be led by proud Yorta Yorta, Warlpiri, Wiradjuri and Gunditjmara woman Jessica Bamblett, an experienced netballer and Development-accredited coach, alongside her 17-year-old daughter, Jaydah Wanganeen.
Jessica has been part of Rumbalara Football Netball Club for more than 20 years as a player and has coached for six years, from juniors through to A Grade. She has also worked with Netball Victoria’s First Nations pathway programs and was Assistant Coach of the Victorian First Nations team in 2024.
Jaydah plays Under 17s and A Grade, bringing her experience as a young First Nations player to the session.
Jessica said the Shepparton clinic would combine skills and games with plenty of fun and opportunities to connect through culture.
“We want everyone to enjoy themselves, build confidence and connect through netball,” Jessica said. “Jaydah and I both like to think outside the box, so we can shape the session around the group and meet each participant where they’re at.”
“I want young First Nations players, whether they’re new to netball or already playing, to see the pathways available and know they belong in the game,” Jessica said.
The Shepparton umpiring workshop will be led by Rumbalara umpire and Yorta Yorta local Desi Morgan Junior, alongside Carmela Fasano, Rumbalara umpire mentor and former umpire coordinator.
Desi began umpiring as a junior and continued learning with support from mentors at the State Netball Centre. He earned his C Badge in March this year and now umpires at the State Netball Centre and for Rumbalara in the Murray Football Netball League.
After being talent identified at tournaments, Desi was invited to trial for the Talent Academy Umpire Program later this year. This season, he was also selected to umpire the Under 13s grand final and serve as reserve umpire for the Under 15s grand final in the Murray Football Netball League.
Carmela is passionate about helping people grow their netball skills, particularly in umpiring, and works with Netball Victoria to support training opportunities.
She earned her C Badge at 17 while playing with Undera in the KDL and has umpired across the Shepparton, Numurkah, KDL, GVL and MFNL competitions, as well as social leagues.
Registrations are open now. Follow the registration link to book a place at the Albury or Shepparton clinic.
RACV Koorie Clinics & Introduction to Umpiring Workshops2026 - Intellistack
