The Netball WA Coach and Umpires conference recently brought together more than 150 community coaches and umpires from across Western Australia.

Through Fortescue's partnership with Netball WA, the company was able to support Pilbara-based First Nations coach Karen Lockyer and umpire Destinii Tamara Wailu to attend the conference, providing them the opportunity to elevate their coaching and officiating skills.

Fortescue Group Manager Community, Government, Approvals, Sasha Pendal said the miner was "proud that through our partnership with Netball WA, we can support and empower the netball community while also providing opportunities for First Nations people".

"This conference gives attendees the chance to learn from some of WA's best high performance coaches and umpires, providing them with skills and techniques that they can take away and use for their own development," she said.

West Coast Fever Coach Dan Ryan said Fortescue's "ongoing commitment" to investing in community initiatives, alongside Netball WA's mission to build sustainable communities, "reflects our shared values of health, wellness, education, regional development, and environmental responsibility".

"Moreover, Fortescue's dedication to providing employment and training opportunities to Indigenous people further underscores their commitment to making a positive difference in our society," he said.

The conference provides a unique platform for West Australian coaches, umpires and officials to come together, learn and grow, aligning with Netball WA's strategic pillars of Play, Grow and Inspire.