The country's best under-23s Indigenous netballers will compete for state and territory bragging rights in August, with the return of the First Nations Tournament to Bunurong country.

Netball Australia confirmed on Tuesday the tournament's spot on the yearly calendar following last year's pilot, which included sides from all eight member organisations.

It came in a landmark year for First Nations netball which saw the debut of Australia's national Indigenous representative side, the Black Swans, at international level in the Pacific Series, followed by their introduction into the Australian Netball Championships.

Last September's inaugural state and territory tournament formed part of the selection process for the Black Swans' second PacAus Series in February.

"We know that there's a huge range of talent in our communities in terms of netball, and it's just that we haven't had the places and spaces to really be able to showcase that in the pathway," Netball Australia First Nations general manager and Kamilaroi woman Ali Tucker-Munro told National Indigenous Times.

Tucker-Munro said last year's tournament was a "powerful showcase" of that depth, something that extended to beside and off the court.

It was also used as a new piece on the pathway for Indigenous coaches and umpires.

"We want to make sure that it's an environment and a place in which the players can be themselves," she said.

"And that's the beauty of when you get to play with mob - you don't have to change how you are or who you are when within and amongst your community…that's when you can be your best, when you're shining."

Queensland took out last year's tournamnet.

The side featured 2025 Black Swan squad members Jayden Molo, Brook Lacey, Keisha Muckan, Maryke Babia and Lily Cubby.

"I'm incredibly excited to see the First Nations tournament return in 2025. It's such an honour to represent my family and mob on this platform—it means the world to me," Cubby said.

The Muruwari goaler added: "This tournament isn't just about playing the game, it's about connection, culture, and creating real opportunities. It's so powerful for young First Nations girls to see that there's a pathway for them in sport, and I'm proud to be part of something that celebrates who we are and where we come from."

Both Cubby and Molo are playing with Super Netball club Queensland Firebirds' reserves this winter.

Ahead of last year's tournament, Australia's second ever Indigenous national team player Sharon Finnan-White told National Indigenous Times she was there to make a statement.

"I've inherited an exceptional, talented group of athletes. And really my job was just to bring them together and motivate them to come together and win gold here," Finnan-White said.

The 2025 tournament is set to take place at Frankston's Jubilee Park Stadium from Wednesday 20 through to Sunday 24 August.

Netball Australia chief executive Stacey West said the now annual piece is a space "for culture and netball to thrive side by side".

"Last year's pilot was about more than just competition – it was a demonstration of Netball Australia's commitment to creating culturally safe, inclusive pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, coaches, umpires, and fans," she said.

"We are proud to see the First Nations Tournament return as an annual celebration and honoured to continue walking alongside our First Nations partners on this journey."

Last month, Super Netball celebrated the first of a two-week First Nations Round aligned with National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, respectively.

Currently, Sunshine Coast Lightning's Jemma Mi Mi is the national competition's only Indigenous player, with Donnel Wallam and Gabrielle Coffey currently plying their trade in Aotearoa and the UK's national competitions, respectively.

Tucker-Munro says Netball Australia's current initiatives are a platform for the sport to strengthen Indigenous representation at the top level.

The First Nations Tournament is one "vehicle" for players, coaches, umpires and others around the game driving that and demonstrating the talent already there, Tucker-Munro said.

It's also a "long-term investment piece".

Tucker Munro also said supporting and championing culture in the sport will play a role towards seeing representation at the elite level grow.

There's more "exciting stuff on the horizon", she added.

Already in the system is Lily Cubby from Goodooga, an Indigenous community in north-west New South Wales.

She said First Nations Round means something special for her and others.

"To all the young girls and generations to come who watch it week in week out, either out in community or going through the pathway, It gives recognition to them," she said.

"To girls who are looking to go through the pathway, it's supporting them to know that they've got the support behind them to push to that level. It's a pretty special round to be part of."