Netball camps in New South Wales aren't just about talent identification and development, they're about belonging and the future of Indigenous representation in the game, the state's governing body says.

Over 100 athletes attended the first of two summer blocks at the weekend, with a second scheduled for November.

Around 40 netballers, aged 11-13, took part in game and culture-focused programs at each of four First Nations Netball Camps at Netball Central in Sydney Olympic Park and regional centres Dubbo, Maitland and Coffs Harbour.

It's the largest-ever delivery of the initiative, having grown from around 30 players at a single event in 2019.

Athletes were identified through Koori Gala Days hosted around the state and at the Koori Netball Tournament.

"The First Nations Camps are all about providing opportunities; for our young athletes to fall in love with the game, for coaches and umpires to develop, and for communities to come together through netball," the state body's First Nations Program Manager Courtney Goolagong said.

"We've seen so many of our current First Nations State Team members, the Waradas, come through these camps. It's where their journey started, and that shows just how powerful and important these opportunities are."

The Waradas were crowned champions at the second state and territory-representative First Nations Tournament on Bunurong Country in August.

In addition to creating the next wave of players to represent the state, alongside coaches and umpires at the top level, the camps are investing in another important piece.

"We want our young players to see that netball is for them; that there's a place for their voices, their stories and their excellence in our sport," Goolagong said.

"It's about belonging, representation and creating clear pathways for our First Nations netballers, coaches and umpires right across NSW."

Local Elders guide culture-focus activities at each camp.

Goolagong, leading Netball NSW's Indigenous strategies, is an experienced high-performance player in her own right.

The body recently announced her appointment as their inaugural First Nations Program Manager.

"This role represents a meaningful commitment to embedding reconciliation, respect and representation across everything we do. Courtney's experience, leadership and passion will help us build stronger, more culturally safe connections with First Nations communities right across the state," Netball NSW executive general manager - communities Trish Crews said.

Goolagong is a former state underage representative player and competed at Premier League level.

In 2024 the Biripi midcourter became an inaugural member of the national Indigenous side, the First Nations Black Swans, and took to the court with the Northern Territory at the most recent First Nations tournament.

Within the role, Goolagong will lead First Nations strategies design and implementation, and oversee Netball NSW's Reconciliation Action Plan work, with the Aboriginal Advisory Group and develop community programs.

Increased participation and representation at all levels of the game is a central focus.

The role is partly funded by the state government.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Camper said Goolagong's appointment "is a significant step towards creating more inclusive pathways in sport".

"The position will help ensure First Nations voices, stories and communities are represented at every level of the game," he said.

"This is a significant step forward in strengthening pathways and creating more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in and lead within sport, supporting other existing initiatives like the Koori Netball Tournament and Indigenous Emerging Talent programs."