Ten Victorian athletes have etched their names into history books, being announced in the inaugural Victorian First Nations team that will compete at Netball Australia’s First Nations tournament in September.
The team, which will be led by head coach Noel Halton (of Palawa heritage) and assistant coach, proud Yorta Yorta, Warlpiri, Wiradjuri, and Gunditjmara woman Jess Bamblett, is made up of athletes under the age of 23 who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and is the first First Nations representative team in Netball Victoria’s pathway history. They will be supported by training partners who will be embedded within the team environment in the lead up to the event.
Since committing to their first Reconciliation Action Plan - the Reflect RAP - in 2021, Netball Victoria has introduced a host of First Nations programs within the community that continues to evolve. While creating and encouraging safe and welcoming environments within participation programs is a priority for netball in Victoria, the announcement of the Victorian First Nations team is a step in the development of First Nations athletes in the Netball Victoria high performance pathway.
The First Nations tournament will be held at the State Netball Centre in Parkville across the weekend of 13-15 September and aims to provide accelerated and equitable opportunities for First Nations participants in netball.
Victorian First Nations team head coach, Noel Halton said:
“Victoria is known for such a strong high performance pathway, and that talent and drive is reflected in each of the athletes selected in the team,” Halton said.
“Not only are these athletes highly skilled on the court, it is evident that they want to take this opportunity to be leaders and role models in their communities. I’m looking forward to working with these athletes and congratulate each of them for their selection in the team.”
Netball Victoria CEO, Andrea Pearman said:
“Congratulations to each of the athletes selected in the inaugural Victorian First Nations team – a group who will become an inspiration for so many,” Pearman said.
“At Netball Victoria, we are committed to playing our part to ensure our sport is welcoming and safe for First Nations people. We will continue to learn and evolve as we work towards reconciliation of the nation.”
Victorian First Nations team
Mia Williams – Noongar Ballardong
Alkira Clark-Kickett – Njaki-Njaki / Wilman / Kirrae Whurrung / Djab Wurrung
Chloe Eyre – Wamba Wamba
Holly Stephens – Kurnai
Ashlee Hyde – Wambaya
Elisa Butterworth-Gonebale – Wagiman / Ngan Giwumirri
Jemiah Niki – Jawoyn
Tully Bethune – Wiradjuri
Anna Solomon – Dunghutti / Ngarigo Monero
Emlyn Turriff – Wurundjeri
Training partners
Olivia Spence – Mara
Ellie Morgan – Yorta Yorta / Wemba Wemba
Shianne Bamblett – Warlpiri / Yorta Yorta / Wiradjuri / Dja Dja Wurrung / Gunditjmara
Isabel Gee - Palawa
Artwork designed by Aboriginal artist, Alkina Edwards, a proud Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Mutthi Mutthi and Wiradjuri woman.
The Victorian First Nations team is supported by Netball Victoria's partner, RACV.
Click here for further information on Netball Victoria's First Nations programs.
Netball Australia announced the pilot First Nations tournament which will be held at the State Netball Centre, Parkville (Naarm) in September.
