Netball Queensland is proud to announce the formation of its inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.
The committee comprises Sharon Finnan-White OAM, Beryl Friday, Leeonee Thompson, Craig Williams, Bo De La Cruz, and Chenoa Masters.
This group possesses a wealth of experience in high performance, player pathways, organisational culture, finance and cultural knowledge that will provide invaluable support to Netball Queensland and the broader netball community.
Finnan-White believes the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee is a critical step for Netball Queensland, as the governing body continues to improve the way it engages with First Nations communities across the State.
“I am looking forward to my involvement as a member of this inaugural committee,” Finnan-White said.
“The formation of this group is formal recognition of the need to fundamentally improve netball’s engagement with First Nations peoples and address the underlying barriers affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, coaches, umpires and administrators.”
“I am confident the highly experienced individuals on this committee can help Netball Queensland build on the good work being delivered through the Diamond Spirit program, and ensure all future programs, pathways and engagements are culturally appropriate and safe, driven by the increased cultural awareness and competency of Netball Queensland staff.”
Netball Queensland CEO Catherine Clark believes the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee will play a leading role in creating genuine change and outcomes.
“It is our responsibility, across all levels of netball, to continue to educate ourselves and foster an environment where every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman around the country is afforded the opportunity to fulfil her potential within our game,” Clark said.
“Central to that process is ensuring these women are represented, have a voice and a seat at the table in all conversations moving forward. We are incredibly fortunate to have such qualified and respected individuals join our inaugural committee to drive this change.”
The Advisory Committee will also be assisting the implementation in Queensland of Netball’s Declaration of Commitment, established in September of last year and co-championed by Netball Queensland and Netball Australia with the unanimous support of all Member Organisations, Suncorp Super Netball Clubs and the Australian Netball Players’ Association.
“This is not a change Netball Queensland can deliver on its own. It will take action at all levels of our game from grassroots netball Clubs, Associations, our HART Sapphire Series Clubs, through to Netball Australia,” Clark said.
“It must become a shared commitment and priority, and if we are united in our efforts, we will create lasting and important change.”
Over the next 12 months, Netball Queensland and its Diamond Spirit team will work closely with the Advisory Committee to establish key priorities and actions that will support the ongoing cultural journey of our sport.
