Super Netball will celebrate its second First Nations Round for the 2024 season this weekend, aligning with NAIDOC Week.
Split over two weekends, the first held to coincide with Reconciliation Week in May, First Nations Round returns in round 13 with Indigenous-designed match uniforms, match balls, visual pieces across the country, and wider recognition of First Peoples culture in line with the NAIDOC Week theme; 'Keep the Fire Burning'.
"Netball Australia recognises the significance of NAIDOC Week on the national calendar," Netball Australia chief executive Stacey West said.
"First Nations Round is about more than netball. It is a celebration and a reflection of First Nations peoples both on and off the court."
Gunai, Gunditjmara, Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta and Bunurong artist Koorrin Alinta Edwards-Wanganeen is behind the design to be featured in centre circles and umpire uniforms
It has also been incorporated onto match balls for the round.
In lead the lead up to First Nation Round's May iteration, Mr Edwards-Wanganeen said her artwork represents "something of my story" and other Indigenous netballers across the country.
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Ahead of the Queensland Firebirds hosting Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday, Kalkadoon, Waanya and Quandamooka woman Kylie Hill's artwork and 3.2-by-2.4 metre installation 'Our Journey' to stand proudly at Meanjin's Nissan Arena was unveiled on Tuesday.
"I'm just so proud we could do this for our Queensland mob," Ms Hill told National Indigenous Times.
"The unveiling of this First Nations artwork is a momentous occasion for Nissan Arena," Netball Queensland chief executive Kate Davies said.
"It signifies our commitment to honouring and respecting First Nations culture and history."
On the same court the Firebirds and Lightning will dual for finals contention this weekend, the First Nations Black Swans invitational side made a strong inaugural showing at the Pacific Netball Series last month.
Netball Australia First Nations Engagement Lead and Black Swans head coach Ali Tucker-Munro said "the connection amongst the girls on and off the court aligns so strongly with the theme of NAIDOC Week..the Black Swans are absolutely Blak, loud and proud, and the girls demonstrated this".
Tucker Munro has also been instrumental in a First Nations Coaching Course pilot.
Netball Australia director and Whadjuk Noongar woman Cheryl Kickett-Tucker said acknowledging First Peoples imprint on the sport is "vital".
"In the same year as the defeat of the Voice Referendum, I challenge us all to honour the incredible lives of Indigenous Australian women who form the bedrock of Australia's netball legacy," Kickett-Tucker said.
"These remarkable women have shattered barriers to showcase their unique style of play and demonstrate strength in leadership, coaching, and umpiring. It's vital that we uphold Indigenous voices and stories in every pass and every shot.
"Together, let's forge a future where diversity not only strengthens every team on and off the court but also enriches our shared journey toward unity and excellence."
Super Netball First Nations Round matches:
Saturday July 6
Giants v Mavericks, Ken Rosewall Arena
Firebirds v Lightning, Nissan Arena
Sunday July 7
Vixen v Fever, John Cain Arena
Swifts v Thunderbirds, Ken Rosewall Arena
