The 2020 NAIDOC week theme will once again be in the hands of thousands of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers, when they compete in the annual NAIDOC Netball Carnival on November 15.
Thanks to Netball WA’s continued partnership with the Insurance Commission of Western Australia, promoting the Belt Up message, the carnival will feature a bespoke ball for the third year in a row, designed by Narrogin local, Chante Kickett.
Chante is a participant in the Shooting Stars program and will travel to Perth to take part in the hugely popular carnival, representing the Cuballing Netball Club. Selected by an independent committee, Chante’s design represents the rainbow serpent, Wagyl from the dreamtime and best represented the 2020 NAIDOC Week theme of Always Was, Always Will Be.
“My design was inspired by my culture and tells a story and journey using Aboriginal symbols,” said Kickett.
“It makes me feel really connected with my culture to know my ball design is going to be in the hands of many talented Indigenous women and young youth.”
Netball WA General Manager of Community Netball Liz Booth said the bespoke ball has become a fantastic symbol of the carnival.
“Firstly, I would like to say a huge congratulations to Chante on a truly outstanding design,” said Booth.
“The NAIDOC Netball Carnival is both an opportunity to engage a wider group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers to competitive netball, as well as a platform to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
“The importance of increasing our sports accessibility and removing the barriers that have prevented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and coaches from flourishing in our sport is relevant now more than ever and we are incredibly proud to host this carnival each year.”
Now in its seventh year, the Insurance Commission’s partnership with the NAIDOC Netball Carnival and Netball WA sees the Belt Up road safety message delivered to more than 240,000 netballers every year throughout Western Australia.
Commission Secretary, Kane Blackman said the Insurance Commission is pleased to place the Belt Up message in the hands of hundreds of netball players.
“Ninety-five people were injured or killed on WA roads last year while not wearing a seat belt,” Blackman said.
“That is why the Insurance Commission promotes the Belt Up message.”
“Partnering with Netball WA provides an opportunity to engage with the netball and Indigenous communities and put that road safety message directly in their hands.”
“We would much rather people didn’t get hurt in a crash and have to deal with us.”
“Congratulations to Chante on her remarkable netball design.”
“We know these netballs will be used with pride, and each of the teams will enjoy taking the message back to their respective communities.”
The 2020 NAIDOC Netball Carnival will be held at the Gold Netball Centre and Wembley Sports Park on November 15.
