Netball has taken massive strides in recent years at developing First Nations talent across Australia. There’s been more initiatives with the First Nations tournament, the Black Swans and academies.
Not only have more First Nations athletes been making it through the pathways, but coaches have as well.
Rachael Paterson, a proud Bunurong and Palawa woman, is the assistant coach of the Gippsland Stars 23&U side in the Victorian Netball League (VNL). This is Paterson’s first year at the helm as the Stars entered their second year within the competition.
The Stars have some strong connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples with 23&U defender Anna Soloman also a proud Dunghutti and Ngarigo Monero woman and inaugural captain of the Victorian First Nations state team.
Paterson knew she was Aboriginal from an early age with her dad being open about their culture. It wasn’t until high school when she started to find out more about herself.
Growing up, Paterson was subject to whispers here and there about being Aboriginal but having white skin.
“I heard different things, people said a lot that wasn’t true, and because my skin's not dark, people didn't necessarily view me as Aboriginal,” she says.
“I always found a little bit conflicting, because there are some people that I know who know I’m Aboriginal, but some people would question that when I was growing up.”
She’s coached Aboriginal girls in the past and has continued being an influence for the next generation of Aboriginal talent whether that be through the players, coaches or staff.
Paterson is a coach at Morwell Football Netball Club in the Gippsland League and it’s come with its rewards. It’s not the wins and premierships that gives Paterson the euphoria of sport, it’s seeing everyone succeed and work towards one goal while bonding as a team.
“Coaching gives me an opportunity to help develop young players, even influence and shape some people that have been around netball for a long time,” she says.
“I try and reflect on what worked for me when I played, and really get to know the players so I can figure out their why, what makes them tick and why they are connected to the sport.”
Something that stands out to Paterson is the First Nations tournament which enters its second year in 2025 after a successful pilot in 2024. It’s another platform for First Nations athletes, coaches and officials to get exposure to a high performance sports environment who wouldn’t normally get the chance.
Paterson was unable to watch the games in person at the State Netball Centre in Parkville, but she was able to tune into the livestream at home and couldn’t stop rewatching and replaying her favourite moments.
“I just loved watching the games and I know it was hard, they got some wins, there were some losses there, but it's just so good to see the coaches and the players out there on the court,” she says.
There’s been a lot of First Nations success recently with Gabby Coffey plying her trade in the UK’s Netball Super League, and Vanessa Dempsey who was the assistant coach in the victorious South Australian 17/U state team at the National Netball Championships in April. Dempsey was also the head coach of South Australia that competed in the inaugural First Nations tournament.
Paterson is happy to see First Nations talent be recognised across Australia and wants Victoria to continue in their efforts.
“Netball Victoria has come a long way with getting more people involved in the game and just providing opportunities,” she says.
“The dresses are absolutely amazing and from a sport perspective, netball is really leading the way.”
The VNL will celebrate its First Nations round this week with six clubs wearing either a dress or bib to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Earlier this year, Netball Victoria launched its Innovate RAP, strengthening the organisation and sport’s commitment to embedding meaningful cultural change and honouring the voices and contributions of First Nations peoples in netball.
