A project which started in 2019, Netball NSW’s RAP has now been formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. This is the first step in turning intentions into actions to create a safer space for Indigenous Australians across NSW’s netball community. It is also key to netball’s role in the wider reconciliation of the nation.
Through this framework Netball NSW can ensure it is in the best possible position to implement effective and mutually beneficial initiatives which also properly respect and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our community.
The Reflect RAP has been developed as a collaboration between the Netball NSW RAP Working Group and internal and external stakeholders. Netball NSW would like to extend their gratitude to RAP Working Group Members Casey Ralph, Marcia Ella Duncan OAM, Professor John Evans, Ali Tucker Munro, Donna Coady, Georgina Cohen and Whitney Skuthorpe.
Netball NSW CEO, Tain Drinkwater said the release of the organisation’s RAP was a very meaningful step towards reconciliation and awareness in the state’s netball community.
“This is a hugely important day in our organisation’s history,” she said.
“I would like to thank the RAP Working Group the Netball NSW staff involved for their dedication to this project over the past three years, as well as their patient and sensitive approach to it.
“They have addressed actions under Reconciliation Australia’s four key pillars – relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance – which will form a framework for significant impact and outcomes across our game state-wide.
“It is important to note that netball, across the nation, hasn’t always been leaders in this space but the past 12 months have seen a much greater celebration of our nation’s Indigenous culture - from Super Netball to grassroots.
“This RAP now gives us a much-needed reference point and I look forward to stakeholders of all levels in our game making use of this excellent resource, which will be revisited annually to ensure it remains relevant in an ever-changing society.”
To view Netball NSW’s RAP and Artwork CLICK HERE
ABOUT RAP ARTWORK:
Netball NSW’s Reflect RAP artwork, entitled Together For Growth, has been designed by proud Wiradjuri woman Maree Bisby, who hails from the Mudgee Region.
Bisby is based in the Hunter and enjoys netball with family and friends in the Newcastle area, as both a player and parent.
Together For Growth symbolises the many dimensions and levels of the netball community. The use of traditional symbols such as footprints, rain, meeting place and watering hole, along with stars, and universe show the ability of all to dream and reach for their goals.
Individually we can soar but in a team we can reach higher. It takes all of the natural elements of the earth to connect to one another and to believe and achieve greatness.
The seven paths around the netball symbolise the seven players on the court with the symbols of man, woman and person again representing the netball community, inclusive of gender identity or fluidity.
No path in life and success is straight, hence the curvature and direction of the path, leading to one’s own destiny. The path is off the canvas, to highlight that we each are members of community and can influence each other in our own way. The brightness of the colours symbolise the fun and positivity of netball and the harmony and connection we all have.
