Noel Halton has been selected as head coach with Jess Bamblett named assistant of the Victorian First Nations team that will compete in the inaugural national First Nations Tournament in September.
Halton, who is of Palawa heritage has been part of Netball Victoria’s high-performance coaching pathway for many years from his base in Rutherglen, working with the Talent Academy in the north east, as well as North East Blaze in the Victorian Netball League. He was recently re-appointed as assistant coach of the Victorian All Abilities team that will compete in the Marie Little Shield in September.
Proud Yorta Yorta, Warlpiri, Wiradjuri, and Gunditjmara woman, Bamblett has been a coach at Rumbalara Football Netball Club for five years, guiding athletes from junior competitions to A grade. She has made the Murray Football Netball League team of the year as player and coach, proving her netball knowledge is second to none. However, it’s her passion for junior development, particularly in the First Nations space, that has set her apart and drives her to continue her coaching.
On his appointment of head coach, Halton said:
“I’m honoured to be a part of this tournament which is a monumental step for netball in the country. It’s fantastic that a tournament like this can get off the ground; people don’t realise how much this can do for First Nations netballers.
“From my perspective, we haven’t had enough First Nations women come through the pathway, and this tournament and program in the lead up is a great opportunity for those athletes to feel safe and nurtured, and be able to showcase their skills.
“As a Victorian, I can’t help but have the desire to win but honestly, this tournament is so much more than that. I’m looking forward to getting many mobs together for this tournament and really putting our First Nations athletes on the national stage they deserve.”
On her appointment of assistant coach, Bamblett said:
“The First Nations Tournament is an incredible opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, but also for me to be considered is huge and such an honour.
“A tournament like this helps breaks down barriers for First Nations players, creating safe spaces for them to show their skills. Just having a familiar face on the selection panel for example, is something that can help these players feel more comfortable and reach their potential.
“In my role, I will be letting the athletes know they’re in a culturally safe space and will help give cultural perspective into this high-performance environment. I want to open these girls’ eyes to make sure they feel a part of it all; a real sense of belonging.”
In July, Netball Australia announced it will pilot a First Nations Tournament at the State Netball Centre, Parkville in September.
The purpose of the tournament is to provide accelerated and equitable opportunities for First Nations participants in netball and will feature under-23 aged teams from every state and territory as they compete across three days of competition.
More details on the tournament including fixtures and ticket sales will be made available by Netball Australia in the coming weeks.
Netball Victoria will hold trials for their First Nations team this Sunday, 4 August. Athletes who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Islander are encouraged to apply and can register their interest to trial through the Netball Victoria website: https://netb.al/46g1nRP
The team selected will be supported by Netball Victoria’s partner RACV.
