The Gold Industry Group (GIG) backed NAIDOC Netball Carnival reached new heights this year, celebrating Indigenous culture and achievement, in every facet of the day.
GIG Executive Officer Rebecca Johnston with Aboriginal artist and NAIDOC Netball Carnival designer Shontae Jetta.
A special welcome by Glenda Kickett was followed by an Indigenous dance by the Mandurah Grassroots Site to mark the official opening at the Wembley Sports Park yesterday. Australia’s largest Indigenous netball carnival then came to life and in the hands of every player with a bespoke ball designed by the talented Shontae Jetta, Narrogin Aboriginal Grassroots Site and Shooting Stars participant.
With more than 110 teams competing, the event was a unique gathering for family and friends with more than 3000 people in attendance.
The GIG’s gold Indigenous face painting and #heartofgold photo booth were popular, with a constant line and many golden smiles remembered. Our lucky photo booth winners of tickets to the next West Coast Fever game were the Anzac Terrace Warriors players (pictured in the banner), congratulations!
As Principal Partner of Netball WA, the GIG was proud to support Netball WA’s NAIDOC week celebrations and connect with thousands at the NAIDOC Netball Carnival from communities across Western Australia, which served as a wonderful platform to promote health and wellbeing.
Netball WA CEO, Simon Taylor said it was a fantastic highlight of the governing body’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, which was focused around the theme of Voice. Treaty. Truth.
“It’s always wonderful to see the NAIDOC Netball Carnival grow in stature each year and I would like to thank everyone involved for making it another successful day,” Mr Taylor said.
“We are incredibly fortunate to host this event after inheriting it over a decade ago, following many years of hard work by the Indigenous community, and to see it continue its standing as one of the most distinguished events on our calendar is something we’re all proud of.”
The Carnival saw over 1000 athletes take to the courts from the Suncorp NetSetGO division through to the Mixed Division, which was run for the first time this year.
Three major trophies were awarded on the day, with the Josie Janz-Dawson Award for the Best and Fairest Player across all junior divisions awarded to Emily Blurton from the Bunbury Morditj Yorgas, the Senior MVP Award presented to Kylie Taylor from the Katanning Aboriginal Grassroots Site, while the Community TAB Spirit Award was presented for the first time and won by Yvonne Kelly-Osborne from the Jatu Flyers.
GIG members supporting our partnership with Netball WA, West Coast Fever and Shooting Stars include Gold Fields, Northern Star Resources, Saracen Mineral Holdings, Newcrest Mining, St Barbara Limited, Newmont Goldcorp Australia, AngloGold Ashanti Australia, Gold Road Resources and Ramelius Resources.
