The Suncorp Super Netball League has launched the 2022 First Nations Round which will be celebrated across Rounds 12 and 13.
This year’s round focuses on raising awareness, celebrating and understanding the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to netball and the nation.
First Nations Round has been a feature of the Suncorp Super Netball fixture since 2018, providing an opportunity for the sport of netball to recognise the histories, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It has been renamed from Indigenous Round to respectfully encompass and acknowledge the diversity of First Nations cultures, people and identities of Australia.
The 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.
The League and all eight clubs will celebrate and highlight stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples involved in our sport across First Nations Round.
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 eight clubs will wear specially designed First Nations Round uniforms, each with a unique design and story signifying the rich culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples around the nation.
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.
Netball Australia’s High Performance Umpire Coach and Gunggari woman, Stacey Campton, said Suncorp Super Netball’s First Nations Round had grown considerably over the past five years.
“This round is an opportunity for the First Nations community to watch their netball heroes in action, and where we have First Nations players, coaches and umpires, to be able to see themselves reflected at this level,” Campton said.
“It is a moment of acknowledgment by all the Suncorp Super Netball teams who wear their First Nations designed club uniforms to show their commitment to reconciliation and reparation.
“As a Gunggari woman with a fierce determination to ensure our people are represented in a sport that I love and gave me opportunities to represent at the national and international level, I look forward to seeing the First Nations players, umpires and coaches participating in and celebrating at this event.”
Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan said First Nations Round was an important feature of the Suncorp Super Netball fixture.
“We acknowledge and celebrate the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on,” Ryan said.
“First Nations Round provides a platform to celebrate and reflect on the incredible contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the sport of netball and the nation.
“Netball Australia, alongside its Member Organisations and the Suncorp Super Netball clubs, is committed to fostering and strengthening inclusion and diversity in our game – from the grassroots level to pathways and the elite competition.”
Artwork © @simonethomsonart, Yorta-Yorta/Wurundjeri. Winyar Yuringa (Women of the Sun) 2020. In partnership with Dreamtime Art Creative Consultancy
