First Nations netballers push for cultural safety and inclusion
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Netball Australia is working to increase First Nations representation in elite netball and create more supportive environments for Indigenous athletes.
For years, very few Indigenous Australian women have played for the national team, the Diamonds, only three to date. Donnell Wallam left her club in 2024, citing a lack of cultural inclusion, which prompted Netball Australia to investigate and implement changes.
Ali Tucker-Munro, Netball Australia’s General Manager First Nations, spearheaded initiatives like the inaugural First Nations team, the Black Swans, and the First Nations Tournament. These programs aim to provide visible role models and opportunities for First Nations players. Players like Gabby Coffey and Scarlet Jauncey have faced challenges accessing elite-level opportunities, often needing to leave their home communities and deal with a lack of support.
Coffey, who played in the UK before returning to Alice Springs, and Jauncey, a training partner with the West Coast Fever, both emphasized the importance of seeing Indigenous representation at the highest levels of the sport. They believe that increased opportunities, such as the planned addition of two new teams to Super Netball, will help more First Nations athletes succeed.
Tucker-Munro stressed the importance of cultural safety, ensuring that netball supports First Nations athletes as whole people connected to their communities, and working with communities to make change.
