Noel Halton has been announced as head coach of the 2025 Victorian First Nations team, and will be joined by Lee Bevan-Woodley as assistant coach for the national First Nations tournament to be held at Jubilee Park in Frankston from 20–24 August.
A proud Palawa man, Halton has been a mainstay in Netball Victoria’s coaching pathway for over a decade, including as head coach of the inaugural Victorian First Nations state team in 2024.
Based in Rutherglen, Halton has worked extensively with Netball Victoria's North East Talent Academy, the Victorian Netball League’s North East Blaze, and as assistant coach of the Victorian All Abilities team for the last three years.
Joining Halton is Lee Bevan-Woodley, a proud Kija woman whose netball journey began in Broome, WA, and has taken her from junior championships in the Kimberley and Pilbara to pathway coaching roles across Victoria. A member of Netball Victoria’s First Nations Advisory Group, Bevan-Woodley is a strong advocate for culturally safe coaching and player development.
Now coaching at Parkville, Bevan-Woodley has guided representative teams at Wyndham, Parkville, and the Western Talent Academy, earning honours at Association Championships and coaching Elmer at the State Titles.
The tournament, which was hosted at the State Netball Centre for its inaugural year last year, will bring together First Nations teams from across the country in a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent and culture. Jubilee Park’s reputation as a key netball destination continues to grow, having hosted the National Netball Championships and State Titles in recent years.
Victorian First Nations state team head coach, Noel Halton said:
“I’m honoured to be part of this tournament, which is a monumental step forward for netball in Australia,” Halton said.
“This tournament gives First Nations women the chance to feel safe, supported and able to showcase their skills at a high level. It’s about building confidence, creating belonging, and putting First Nations athletes on the national stage they deserve.
In 2024, the Victorian First Nations state team finished fourth in the tournament.
“As a Victorian, of course I want to win – but more than that, I want to see as many mobs together as possible.”
In her first role with the Victorian First Nations state team, assistant coach Lee Bevan-Woodley said:
“This tournament is about more than just netball, it’s about connection, culture, and showing First Nations players and coaches that they belong at the highest levels.
“My role will be to provide cultural safety and ensure these women feel seen, heard, and supported.
“It’s about trust and knowing the person before coaching the player. I want our athletes to feel that sense of belonging every time they step on court.”
Netball Victoria has seen significant growth in First Nations netball participation, with 2,074 participants already registered in 2025, up from 1,882 in 2024 and 1,738 in 2023. These increases reflect Netball Victoria’s commitment to culturally safe, inclusive programs at all levels, from grassroots to elite.
Key initiatives include ongoing support for the VACSAL Statewide Carnival, which featured over 110 teams in 2024, and Koorie clinics held in metro and regional areas across the state. Additionally, culturally specific coaching courses and collaborations with Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and Worawa Aboriginal College are building strong, sustainable pathways for First Nations players, coaches and leaders.
Netball Victoria is also proud to have launched its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in May, reinforcing a long-term commitment to reconciliation, representation, and respect in all aspects of the game.
Netball Victoria will hold trials for the Victorian First Nations state team with registered participants in June, with the team selected shortly after.
The selected team will be proudly supported by Netball Victoria partner RACV.
