NETBALL Queensland welcomes the return of the First Nations Round this weekend, as our own Queensland Firebirds prepare to take on West Coast Fever in Saturday night’s must-win Suncorp Super Netball game in Perth.
Played across Rounds 12 and 13, the 2022 First Nations Round focuses on raising awareness, celebrating and understanding the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to netball and the nation.
Netball Queensland CEO Kate Davies acknowledged the impactful nature of the First Nations Round, and its critical place in the Suncorp Super Netball competition.
“Netball Queensland is committed to improving opportunities for First Nations peoples in our game at all levels, focusing on inclusion and supporting diversity,” Davies said.
“We are dedicated to reconciliation, and improving cultural knowledge and awareness, so we celebrate the First Nations Round and all it represents.”
Davies made reference to Netball Queensland’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which signifies Netball Quensland’s formal organisational commitment to hold itself accountable in turning intentions into practical, meaningful actions and outcomes.
One such tangible is the Diamond Spirit program, using sport to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls both on and off the court.
The First Nations Round is split over two weeks so all eight Suncorp Super Netball clubs can showcase their engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in front of their home crowds.
This means the Firebirds also look forward to celebrating and highlighting stories of Aborigional and Torres Strait Islander peoples involved in netball at their final Nissan Arena home game of the regular season against Giants Netball on Saturday, June 4.
All eight clubs will wear First Nations Round uniforms, each with a unique design and story signifying the rich culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the country.
Artist and designer Rachael Sarra has once again been tasked with designing the Firebirds’ First Nations dress, a role she’s been responsible for since the inception of the First Nations Round in 2018.
The contemporary artist from Goreng Goreng Country said netball was more than seven players on court at one time.
“Every step or pass you make or action you take, is ignited by those who have come before you and the people around you,” Sarra said.
“It is the strength in diversity of our communities and generations that fuels unity, maintaining balance and harmony on and off the court.”
This year’s match balls will feature custom artwork created by Yorta-Yorta/Wurundjeri woman Simone Thomson.
The artwork, titled Winyar Yuringa (Women of the Sun), will also be included on the umpires’ uniforms.
The round coincides with National Reconciliation Week from May 27 to June 3.
This year’s theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians — individuals, families, communities, organisations and government — to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation to Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
Tickets are still available for the Queensland Firebirds’ last home game of the regular round, when we host Giants Netball on Saturday, June 4 at Nissan Arena.
ENDS
