Netball's First Nations Tournament Fosters Cultural Safety and Elite Talent

Netball Australia is taking steps to address the lack of elite Indigenous talent in the sport, with the introduction of the Black Swans, the country's first-ever First Nations team, and the annual First Nations Tournament.

The tournament, now in its third year, has brought together players from across the country, including 26-year-old Gabby Coffey, who represented the Northern Territory. Coffey, a defender, spent four years as a training partner for the Melbourne Vixens before moving to the UK to further her netball career.

Culturally Safe Spaces

Ali Tucker-Munro, Netball Australia's General Manager First Nations, said the measures aim to create culturally safe spaces for First Nations athletes. "These tournaments are aspirational in terms of trying to inspire the next generation of our kids — who we know love sport and netball in particular — to trial for their respective state and territory," she said.

Tucker-Munro acknowledged that while it's essential to bring First Nations netballers into elite environments, those environments must be culturally safe. "First Nations people come into these spaces with our culture and community on our back, as well as cheering us on, so you want to do them proud," she said.

Role Models and Support

Coffey and teammate Scarlet Jauncey, a Yaruwu woman from Rubibi/Broome in Western Australia, emphasized the importance of visible Indigenous role models. "If you can't see it, you can't be it," Coffey said, pointing out that there are only two Indigenous players currently in Super Netball.

Jauncey, who captained the Black Swans in 2025, agreed that role models are crucial. "I think it just gives us something to strive towards, knowing that we can be in that space," she said.

Tournament Experience

The First Nations Tournament has provided a platform for players to connect and compete. Jauncey said, "I think just being able to come to First Nations tournaments and having that connection with each other has been really great."

Coffey added, "It gives not only myself, but a lot of players so much power and push to keep going and play at the highest level."

Cultural Safety Review

Netball Australia has also conducted a cultural safety review in collaboration with the community, considering the perspectives of the wider netball workforce, including coaches and umpires, as well as athletes. Tucker-Munro conceded that there are "multi-faceted" barriers to having more elite Indigenous netballers, including financial constraints and geographical barriers to access.