The Victorian Netball League (VNL) First Nations Round, held during Reconciliation Week, continues to highlight the growing impact of Netball Victoria’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations athletes. Through initiatives like the Victorian First Nations State Team, the pathway is evolving, not only providing high-performance experiences, but also strengthening connection, representation and visibility across the sport.
For VNL players Holly Stephens (Casey Demons) and Anna Solomon (Gippsland Stars), the First Nations program has played a significant role in shaping their individual journeys. Both credit the Netball Victoria First Nations programs for opening doors into elite environments while fostering a strong sense of identity and community.
“The Victorian First Nations program has had a huge impact on my journey, giving me another opportunity to be in a high-performance environment to develop my netball,” Holly said.
Anna echoed this experience, adding, “It’s given me the opportunity to be within a high-performance environment, and really give me insight into what is expected of me."
The introduction of First Nations opportunities has also begun to shift the netball landscape in Victoria. Holly believes it has created stronger connections within the system, making the sport more inclusive.
“It’s made netball more of an inclusive space for mob as there’s now connections & community in the standard Netball Victoria pathway,” she said.
Anna shared a similar view, noting, “It’s definitely shown more inclusivity… and highlights that there is a pathway for our girls to compete and learn with the best opportunities.”
While still developing, both players see positive signs of increased participation. Anna has already seen new faces entering the sport through the pathway.
“I have met so many new girls that I haven’t seen at any comps before… even some girls I know that have never played before, willing to try out and give it a go,” Anna said.
Representation remains one of the most important aspects of this progress, visibility is key to inspiring the next generation.
“It’s super important… young First Nations athletes can see it & know that it’s possible,” Holly said.
Anna reinforced this, explaining, “It’s hard for anyone to dream of something if they’ve never seen it before… showcasing that there is opportunity… is paramount.”
The significance of this visibility is especially evident during the VNL First Nations Round. For both athletes, taking the court during Reconciliation Week is about far more than netball.
“Getting to play in the VNL First Nations Round is very important to me… it means I can represent my culture, mob & family/community,” Holly said, describing the pride and responsibility she feels.
For Anna, this year’s round carried an even deeper personal connection. Gippsland Stars wore a First Nations dress designed by her aunt, Leonie Solomon Green (Monaro Ngarigo), with artwork reflecting Country, community and connection across Gippsland.
“It’s huge to be able to have that part of me in the club’s story, and to be able to involve my direct family,” she said, highlighting the importance of storytelling and cultural expression within the sport.
Both players emphasised that celebrating First Nations culture in netball is essential to building an inclusive environment. Holly explained that it ensures First Nations athletes and communities feel “acknowledged, appreciated & understood.”
As the First Nations pathway continues to grow, both players hope to see further development, increased visibility and stronger representation at the elite level. Their experiences reflect the tangible impact Netball Victoria is already making, creating opportunities, strengthening community, and ensuring more First Nations athletes can see a future for themselves in the sport.
