Written by Amelia Barnes
Some of Victoria’s most promising First Nations netballers have competed at the Budgies National Indigenous Netball Carnival held on the Gold Coast from January 10-15, 2023.
70 girls and boys were selected by Victorian Indigenous Netball to play at the national event that included teams from every state and territory except Tasmania.
Budgies provides the opportunity for players to compete and build connections with other First Nations netballers. Players can also trial for selection to represent Budgies in the Australian Indigenous Netball teams.
The location of the January carnival changes annually, with Victoria last hosting in 2019. The 2023 event was held at the Gold Coast Recreation Precinct.
Victorian Indigenous Netball was co-founded by Karen Albon. The organisation started small in 2015 when Albon saw an opportunity to take a team from Craigieburn Netball Association to Budgies National Indigenous Netball Carnival.
“We heard about Budgies and the Australian Indigenous Championships and thought it was an amazing opportunity for the kids,” said Albon.
“It soon became apparent the lack of representation from Victoria while we were there, so we decided to give this a go and provide an opportunity for all young Indigenous netball players from Victoria.”
Netballers from across the state are now invited to attend Victorian Indigenous Netball’s trials for Budgies held every year in October and November.
A total of eight Victorian teams were selected to compete at Budgies in 2023 across the under 12s, under 14s, under 16s, and under 18s divisions. In addition, an open age Victorian boys team was also selected for the very first time.
“It was extremely exciting and as a state everyone got around the boys team and supported them every game,” said Albon of the inaugural boys team. “I can’t wait to see what this section brings in future years.”
Players were also excited to see Noongar woman, Queensland Firebirds player, and Australian Diamonds squad member Donnell Wallam in attendance at the carnival, as an example of a First Nations player competing at netball’s highest level.
As well as Budgies, Victorian Indigenous Netball players compete in the VACSAL (Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited) Statewide Junior Football Netball Carnival.
“We are hoping to continue to grow and provide pathways for our players all throughout the year,” said Albon.
Yorta Yorta, Warlpiri, Wiradjuri, and Gunditjmara woman Jessica Bamblett attended Budgies for the first time this year as a parent of two daughters playing in Victoria’s under 12s and under 14s teams respectively.
“They loved it… It was lovely to see the showcase of all the talent around Australia,” said Bamblett of the carnival.
Having these opportunities for First Nations children is not only important to Bamblett as a parent, but as a new member of Netball Victoria’s First Nations Pathways Working Group. This body exists to ensure the valuable contribution and participation of First Nations people at every level of netball.
Bamblett is a coach and member of Rumbalara Football Netball Club – an Aboriginal community-run sporting club located in Shepparton. As someone who’s heavily involved in her community and regional netball, she’s in a great position to identify talent and introduce promising players to the pathways available, such as the Netball Victoria Talent Academy program.
“Just having an eye open on the talent that's out there… It’s now just getting someone to nurture these players, develop them, and push them, because none of these players get that,” Bamblett said.
Bamblett said attending Budgies and being involved in Netball Victoria’s First Nations Pathways Working Group has lit a fire in her belly to create more events that First Nations junior netballers can participate in year-round.
“I want to do some academies and get some great coaches in there to help develop and nurture these young players… I would like to open it up for the whole state.”
Netball Victoria is committed to making netball accessible and welcoming for everyone and ensuring all netball communities work towards reconciliation and inclusion.
Find out more about Victorian Indigenous Netball via their Facebook group
