To celebrate National NAIDOC Week, we spoke to proud Wambaia woman, Ashlee Hyde about the significance of the week for her and reflected on her time playing netball. Originally from the Northern Territory where her mother was born, Ashlee has now lived in Victoria her whole life of 18 years.
The theme for NAIDOC Week this year is Always Was, Always Will Be, recognising that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first to occupy and care for the land for over 65,000 years.
For Ashlee, the theme this year in particular is powerful and makes her feel a sense of strength.
“It makes me feel strong - I connect with this because no matter what is thrown around or at us this is our land and Always Was, Always Will Be. It explains itself really well,” Hyde said.
“NAIDOC Week is about connection and embracing culture. Whether you identify or not, it’s a week where everyone should come together and celebrate what it is.”
NAIDOC Week is a time held each July, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and Australians from all walks of life to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Due to COVID, celebrations were postponed.
“Usually I would attend flag raising ceremonies and any performances done by dancers. I try and go to different areas to see people that make me feel empowered and where I feel that I belong.”
Currently playing for the Casey Demons VNL team, Ashlee was selected during trials and has not looked back since.
“I went to the trials after speaking to friends. I just tried my best and it was a new experience. I found it intense as first, but I flowed into it. I felt passionate enough to keep going and once I started, I wanted to see how far I could go.”
“Netball makes me feel so happy, it is exhilarating being on court. All my worries disappear and all I think about is the game. Even if we lose, I always feel 100 percent better after a netball game with the girls.”
Ashlee hasn’t always played netball, having hailed from a basketball background, and encouraged to play due to her height. Ashlee switched to netball when she moved with her mother.
“As soon as I played my first game, I fell in love with it.”
Ashlee has been playing netball for four years, representing the Tooleybuc- Manangatang Saints early in her career. Since then, she has never felt more at home than on the netball court.
“Netball is part of me, it connects me to culture. Being Aboriginal and the only Aboriginal person in a team makes me feel proud that I can represent through the sport.”
“It can be challenging being the only Aboriginal woman on my team, but also rewarding taking on the role of representing my people.”
“I feel I have been able to overcome and persist through barriers. No one can change who I am, I am doing my best and that’s the best I can do.”
Netball Victoria support the VACSAL Carnival, an annual Carnival bringing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people together. Ashlee has represented both the 17/U Lagunta Sisters and at the Senior Carnival with Traditional Aboriginal Games (TAG) teams last year.
“It’s crazy how you play with these women who you have just met and how close and connected you are. It shows the importance of connections.”
Ashlee is a role model for many people including young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls, being only one of a small number of Aboriginal athletes currently in the VNL. Ashlee has always looked up to Cathy Freeman growing up.
“She gave me hope for Aboriginal representation.”
As Ashlee continues to develop her netball, Caitlin Thwaites has been the most influential person so far. After hearing her speak at her local club, Ashlee immediately connected with her.
“She is amazing, supportive and has given me so many reasons to strive. She will get knocked down and she will get back up.”
A positive message Ashlee lives by and encourages other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to remember is to ‘Do your best and keep doing your best. You have your skills, and you are never going to be the same as someone else so embrace yourself. You know your level and what you are capable of.’
