Netball Victoria is proud to announce the launch of its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, marking the next stage in the organisation and sport’s journey toward reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Victoria.
Building on the successful completion of the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan in 2022, this new phase strengthens Netball Victoria’s commitment to embedding meaningful cultural change, enhancing participation pathways, and honouring the voices and contributions of First Nations people in netball.
Netball Victoria CEO, Andrea Pearman said:
“We are incredibly proud to be launching our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
“Engaging First Nations people in our sport is critical—not only for increasing participation and enriching the Victorian netball pathway, but because as an organisation, we have a responsibility to acknowledge and learn off Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a genuine partnership.”
“Reconciliation must be active, not symbolic. At Netball Victoria, we are committed to creating spaces where First Nations athletes, coaches, umpires, and communities feel seen, heard, and valued.”
Growth in participation and community connection
Netball Victoria has seen steady growth in First Nations participation numbers, with 2,074 participants already registered in 2025, up from 1,882 participants in 2024 and 1,738 in 2023. This growth reflects the expanding number of culturally safe, inclusive programs designed to support grassroots and elite-level development. In 2025, 1.98% of Netball Victoria members identify as First Nations— compared to the 1.2% of the overall Victorian population who identify as First Nations.
One key initiative is our ongoing support of the VACSAL Statewide junior and senior Carnival, where Netball Victoria provides administration and umpire support. In 2024, 57 junior teams and 54 senior teams competed—showcasing strong community engagement and talent development.
Additionally, Netball Victoria has delivered Koorie Clinics across metro and regional Victoria, reaching over 80 young First Nations participants in the last two years alone. In 2024, clinics were held in Frankston, Drouin, Mildura, Craigieburn and Albury.
The Melbourne Vixens’ 2024 First Nations warm up tops were auctioned off, with proceeds going toward netball programs that support First Nations development and participation in Victoria.
Supporting First Nations in high performance
Victorians continue to play an influential role in high performance First Nations netball programs. In 2024, 10 Victorian team members and four training partners participated in Netball Australia’s inaugural First Nations tournament, and Victorian athlete Tully Bethune was selected in the national First Nations squad —the Black Swans. In 2025, Tully and Chloe Eyre were selected into the 2025 Black Swans squad
Strong partnerships
Key partnerships have further strengthened Netball Victoria’s work in this space. The relationship with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) has led to collaboration on The Koori Way, a public health campaign celebrating culture and connection through sport. This year, Netball Victoria helped deliver the 2025 Family Mixed Netball Carnival at the State Netball Centre alongside VAHS and The Koori Way team.
Netball Victoria is also proud to be working with Worawa Aboriginal College, providing work placements for students each term. This initiative reflects our long-term commitment to building future leaders in sport and beyond.
Through a collaboration with Netball Australia and Coaching Unlimited, Netball Victoria has delivered three culturally specific First Nations Coaching Courses in 2024—supporting emerging coaches from Rumbalara, Fitzroy Stars, and Worawa to build their skills and confidence.
These efforts demonstrate the belief that strengthening pathways is not only about participation but ensuring there are opportunities at every level of the game—from playing and coaching, to umpiring and administration.
Netball Victoria’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan is available to view at netballvic.com.au.
To launch the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, Netball Victoria held a staff immersion day where they visited First Nations organisations across the city, had staff engagement workshops, listened to panel discussions with First Nations representatives from the Victorian netball community, opened by a Smoking Ceremony from Aunty Joy.
The Innovate RAP artwork has been designed by proud Peek Whurrong woman of the Maar nation, Bayley Mifsud - Merindah-Gunya.
