Netball Australia announces return of First Nations Tournament

Following the success of the inaugural event in 2024, Netball Australia has announced the return of the First Nations Tournament, marking the next chapter in celebrating and elevating First Nations talent, culture, and community through netball.

The tournament now enters a new phase as a permanent fixture on the national netball calendar slated for August this year.

Supported by Visit Victoria as the official host partner, as well as Suncorp and Confident Girls Foundation as official partners of the event, the 2025 edition will expand from three to five days of competition, taking place at Frankston’s Jubilee Park Stadium from 20th to 24th August.

The tournament was developed in consultation with and support from Netball Australia’s eight Member Organisations, whose leadership and collective commitment have been instrumental in shaping the event into a truly national competition.

Under-23 aged representative teams from every state and territory will feature in the 2025 tournament, including Victoria, ACT, Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. 

Netball Australia Chief Executive Stacey West notes “the First Nations Tournament presents 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.

“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.”

The 2024 pilot tournament saw Queensland claim the historic inaugural victory, with Murrawari goaler Lily Cubby named player of the tournament following her team's triumph. 

Cubby, one of several athletes since selected in the inaugural 2025 Black Swans national squad, said the return of the event continues to platform and provide talent identification for upcoming First Nations talent. 

Speaking about her call up to the team, Cubby enthused "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. 

“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."

The annual inclusion of the First Nations Tournament follows several inaugural First Nations initiatives introduced in netball within the last 18 months, including the establishment of the Black Swans squad and piloting a First Nations Coaching Course.

At the forefront of these programs has been Netball Australia’s General Manager – First Nations Ali Tucker-Munro who shared “Last year’s Tournament was a powerful showcase of the incredible depth of netball talent we know exists within our communities. Watching the girls play with such pride - pride not just in representing where they’re from, but in their culture, with their mob in the stands cheering them on, that was a real privilege.

“Seeing First Nations coaches and umpires out on court too only reinforces the importance of this Tournament as a space for connection, celebration, and belonging. It’s more than just a competition - it’s a place where our mob can come together, stand tall, and shape the future of our game.”

As the official event host partner for the Tournament, Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos added “we’re proud to support the next generation of Indigenous netballers taking part in the First Nations Tournament, which gives players from around the country a chance to showcase their skill and passion for the game.

“Netball is a great cultural connector and coming together through tournaments like this provides more opportunities for First Nations athletes to realise their sporting dreams.”

More information on First Nations Coaching Course 

Image. Last year's inaugural event was a huge success.