The Victorian Netball League will host its inaugural First Nations Round on Wednesday 1 June, during Reconciliation Week. Supported by RACV, the round will recognise and celebrate our First Nations communities and the contribution made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the Victorian netball community.
The round will feature a Welcome to Country ceremony led by a local Elder, customised umpire shirts, and playing bibs featuring the artwork designed for Netball Victoria’s Reconciliation Action Plan by artist Alkina Edwards, a proud Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Mutthi Mutthi and Wiradjuri woman. Casey Demons and Melbourne University Lighting teams will also wear a First Nations themed design on their dresses.
The VNL has nine First Nations players in its ranks. Netball Victoria hopes that showcasing their talent and dedication through initiatives like this one will help to bolster the opportunities and development pathways for future First Nations players.
Netball Victoria General Manager, Netball Development, Angela Banbury is proud to see the passion and support across the netball community for the new initiative.
“We’re always working to provide more opportunities and support to develop our First Nations players and pathways, and this round is another step in the right direction,” she said.
“It’s exciting to see our VNL community coming together to celebrate the contribution of First Nations people at all levels of netball and I’m proud that our organisation is continually driving engagement and improvement in this space.”
Fans are encouraged to attend the round at the State Netball Centre in Parkville or tune in to the livestream via the Netball Victoria Facebook page or Kayo Sports.
Fans can also purchase the Melbourne Vixens First Nations t-shirt, featuring the artwork from this year’s First Nations Round dress, as a way to show their support. Proceeds from the sale of the tees support Netball Victoria’s First Nations pathway programs.
