The Gold Industry Group's support for the 2024 NAIDOC Netball Carnival showcased a powerful celebration of Indigenous culture and sport.

With over 1,000 netballers and their families participating, the event highlighted the importance of providing a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to come together and showcase their talent.

Growth of the Netball WA NAIDOC Carnival

Witnessing the growth of the NAIDOC Netball Carnival from its inception in 2004 with just 10 teams to an impressive turnout of over 100 teams in 2024, highlights a significant surge in both interest and participation. This year, the event drew competitors from a diverse array of regions within Western Australia, demonstrating the carnival's broad appeal and the strong sense of community among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers. The vast distances travelled by these teams underscores the importance of the event, providing a stage where athletes of all levels can compete while celebrating their cultural heritage. Such expansion not only indicates the carnival's growing reputation but also mirrors the increasing recognition and celebration of Indigenous athletes' contributions to Australian sports.

The Power of Sport in Celebrating Culture

The NAIDOC Netball Carnival exemplifies the important role athletics play in uniting communities and highlighting cultural identity. This event transcends mere competition; it stands as a vibrant festival that honours the rich tapestry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and traditions. Through the universal language of sport, participants have the unique chance to display their skills, develop meaningful relationships, and reinforce their cultural pride. This dynamic interplay of culture and sport underscores the enduring impact of such gatherings in reinforcing a collective identity and fostering a deeper appreciation of the diverse cultures that enrich the fabric of Australian society.

Gold Industry Group's Continued Commitment

The continued support of the Gold Industry Group and its members, for the West Australian NAIDOC Netball Carnival highlights its dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowerment within Indigenous communities through sports. With strategic partnerships aligning with both Shooting Stars and Netball WA, including West Coast Fever, the Group plays a pivotal role in offering a platform where Indigenous talent is nurtured and celebrated. Kristy Reilly, CEO of the Gold Industry Group, recognised the importance of the event and its objectives. "This moment is a powerful reminder of the communal effort and shared values that drive the carnival forward. It acts as a bridge, connecting participants from diverse backgrounds through a shared commitment to cultural celebration and mutual respect," said Ms. Reilly. This commitment reflects a broader industry mission to bridge gaps and create lasting impacts within these communities, facilitating not just sports participation but also cultural pride and community cohesion. Through these efforts, the Gold Industry Group contributes not only to the sporting landscape but also to the socio-cultural fabric, reinforcing the value of diversity and inclusion in every endeavour they undertake.

Art and Sport Intersect: The Belt Up NAIDOC Ball

The Belt Up NAIDOC ball became a unique centerpiece of the 2024 carnival, adorned with the distinctive artwork of Jenae Evans, a Laverton Shooting Stars participant. This ball, more than just a piece of sports equipment, symbolised the melding of cultural expression with athletic endeavour. Jenae's design, a harmonious blend of traditional style and digital techniques, reflects her Wongatha heritage and pays homage to the artistic legacy of her elders and predecessors. Her artwork was chosen from many submissions by carnival participants, a testament to its resonating beauty and cultural significance. Through this initiative, the carnival celebrated the vital role of art in Indigenous culture, while also spotlighting young Indigenous talent like Jenae. The artistic ball introduced an additional layer of meaning to the matches played, transforming each game into a dynamic showcase of Indigenous culture, creativity, and community spirit. It served as a constant reminder of the event’s broader goals: to honour the past, inspire current generations, and lay down a pathway for future Indigenous artists and athletes to follow. This fusion of art and sport at the NAIDOC Carnival not only enriched the participants' experience but also highlighted the enduring power of cultural traditions in contemporary expressions.

Engaging Activities and Educational Outreach

The Gold Industry Group took the excitement of the 2024 NAIDOC Netball Carnival beyond the courts with an array of engaging activities and educational initiatives designed to captivate both players and their families. The activations added a unique and interactive dimension to the event, creating spaces where attendees could dive into fun yet meaningful experiences. One of the standout features was the opportunity for carnival-goers to have their faces painted with vibrant glitter and Indigenous-inspired designs, a hit among participants that brought smiles and a sense of belonging to all involved. Equally compelling was the Gold Industry Group's educational stall, which transformed into a bustling hub of curiosity. Here, visitors engaged with various rock samples, providing a tangible connection to the land and its resources. This setup served not only as entertainment but also as an educational conduit, offering insights into the significant role the mining industry plays in the lives of Indigenous communities and the broader Australian landscape.

Acknowledging the Land and Its Traditional Custodians

In a heartfelt gesture of respect, Netball WA and their guests took a moment to honour the land upon which the NAIDOC Netball Carnival unfolded, offering deep recognition to its Traditional Custodians. This act underscored the vital connection that Indigenous peoples hold with their ancestral territories, a bond that predates and perseveres beyond the temporal bounds of such events. Through this acknowledgment, a space was created for reflection on the shared history and contributions of Australia’s First Peoples. It highlighted the necessity of nurturing respectful partnerships and fostering a mutual understanding that bridges communities. The initiative reflected a broader commitment to celebrating and recognising the significance of Indigenous cultures, histories, and rights within both the context of the carnival and the wider activities of the Gold Industry Group.

The Gold Industry Group is proud to be a Major Partner of Shooting Stars and the Principal Partner of Netball WA and West Coast Fever, thanks to members Gold Fields, Northern Star Resources Limited, AngloGold Ashanti Australia, Gold Road Resources, Ramelius Resources, and The Perth Mint.

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Championing Indigenous Netballers: Gold Industry Group's Support for the 2024 NAIDOC Carnival