The theme of the 2019 NAIDOC Netball Carnival will literally be in the hands of thousands of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers, when they hit the court for the annual carnival on July 10.
Thanks to a partnership with the Insurance Commission of Western Australia, promoting the Belt Up message, the carnival will this year feature a bespoke ball designed by Narrogin local and Shooting Stars participant, Shontae Jetta.
The ball features footprints from an emu and a kangaroo, both native to the country and a food source, as well as the Aboriginal symbol which represents meeting places, and identifies when and where Aboriginal people come together as one.
An independent committee selected Shontae’s design, as it best represented the 2019 NAIDOC Week theme of Voice. Treaty. Truth.
“I wanted to take part in the NAIDOC Netball design competition to tell the story of my history and culture,” Jetta said.
“I wanted to represent my family and my school in a positive manner and step outside my capabilities.”
Netball WA Chief Executive Officer Simon Taylor said the ball was a fantastic addition to the carnival.
“We believe the NAIDOC Netball Carnival is one of the largest Indigenous sporting events in Australia, so we’re incredibly proud to host the carnival each year,” Taylor said.
“The day is always a wonderful celebration of Indigenous culture and achievement, so the addition of the bespoke ball is something special for all of our participants, coaches and support staff.”
“On behalf of Netball WA, I would like to congratulate Shontae on a truly special design.”
The Insurance Commission’s partnership with the NAIDOC Netball Carnival and Netball WA began in 2014, and Secretary Kane Blackman said it was an important message for all West Australians.
“By engaging directly with the netball and Indigenous communities, the Insurance Commission strives to raise awareness of the seat belt road safety message,” Blackman said.
“This is important to the Insurance Commission, as not wearing a seat belt can significantly increase the extent of injuries sustained in a vehicle crash.”
“We know these netballs will be used with pride, and each of the teams will enjoy taking the message back to their respective communities.”
“I would also like to congratulate Shontae on a fantastic design that reflects the theme of NAIDOC Week 2019.”
Minister for Finance and Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon. Ben Wyatt MLA, said:
“I would firstly like to congratulate Shontae on her fantastic design, it is truly impressive to see a young artist encapsulate the meaning of NAIDOC week,” Mr Wyatt said.
“I would also congratulate Netball WA for organising such a positive event which all participants will no doubt form lifelong memories from and their ongoing support of the Shooting Stars programs.”
“Finally, the work of Insurance Commission also deserves our recognition, they have a vitally important message to get out to young people and continue to do so in a positive and constructive manner.”
The 2019 NAIDOC Netball Carnival will be held at the State Netball Centre and Perth Netball Association on July 10.
