The inaugural Gold Industry Group Leadership Camps saw Netball WA’s Aboriginal All Stars and Tier 1 Associations immersed into an elite sporting environment, with a focus on developing leadership qualities, promoting health and well being, and building netball skills.

Held over the same weekend as the Constellation Cup, the two camps provided an optimal opportunity for the next generation of Western Australia’s netball leaders to learn from the best.

Tracey Kitching, President of the Karratha Netball Association, said the sessions were invaluable.

“I got a lot out of the weekend and came back to Karratha feeling inspired and motivated for 2020,” said Ms Kitching.

The opportunity to meet West Coast Fever Head Coach, Stacey Marinkovich, and Fever star, Kaylia Stanton, was a highlight of the weekend for the Aboriginal All Stars squad.

Ms Stanton, who is studying nutrition at university, provided the participants with advice on how nutrition impacts physical performance; while Ms Marinkovich hosted a coaching clinic, teaching specialised skills and techniques, and giving the girls a taste of what it takes to become an elite netballer.

The University of Western Australia and St Catherine’s College hosted the Aboriginal All Stars, arranging a tour of their sporting facilities.

All Stars participant, Avah Greenslade-Trewick, said she learnt a lot from the experience, with the visit to UWA and the Australian Diamonds’ training session being the high points of the weekend.

“Watching the Diamonds play the Silver Ferns was the best, I loved seeing how quick they can move a ball,” said Ms Greenslade-Trewick.

“The training session with Stacey was hard but I learnt a lot.

“I really enjoyed my time with my teammates and I'm sad it has come to an end,” she continued.

Tier 1 Association representatives attended from all over the State, including Broome, Karratha, Esperance, Geraldton and Albany.

Representatives partook in sessions on Leadership, Communication, Governance and Volunteer Development; a session led by Gold Industry Group Vice Chair Kelly Carter on Australia’s gold industry and the shared values underpinning the new partnership; and a session on the Fuel to Go and Play project including the services that Western Australian School Canteen Association (WASCA) offer as part of the Healthway’s sponsorship of Netball WA.

The camps culminated in a trip to RAC Arena to witness the Australian Diamonds’ win over New Zealand Silver Fern on Sunday before a tour of The Perth Mint, courtesy of the Gold Industry Group partnership, giving the participants insight into the State’s gold mining heritage, it’s importance, relevance and opportunities.

Gold Industry Group Vice Chair Kelly Carter was thrilled with the response to the new camps.

”This was a fantastic opportunity to hear firsthand the impact our partnership with Netball WA is having at a grass roots level, as well as promoting the development of future leaders across the sport in the State,” said Ms Carter.

Netball WA General Manager of Community Netball, Liz Booth praised the importance of the Leadership Camps for its role in the development of future netball leaders.

“The Gold Industry Group Leadership Camp was a fantastic weekend that both rewarded and educated our high achieving Aboriginal All Stars and Tier 1 Associations.

“Encouraging female participation in leadership roles, especially amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes is imperative for our sport, and we are so proud of the way they have dived into all of the sessions,” said Ms Booth.

The Aboriginal All Stars program was developed for 13-16 year old girls, with athlete selection based on their performance at the annual NAIDOC Netball Carnival, and are given the opportunity to obtain State Squad selection by participating in the State Cup Competition. The initiative also provides a vehicle for Aboriginal girls to learn leadership skills in a fun and supportive environment.

The Gold Industry Group is proud to support netball in Western Australia, as the Principal Partner of Netball WA, Elite Partner of West Coast Fever and Premier Partner of Shooting Stars; thanks to members Gold Fields, Northern Star Resources, Saracen Mineral Holdings, Newcrest Mining, St Barbara Limited, Newmont Goldcorp Australia, AngloGold Ashanti Australia, Gold Road Resources and Ramelius Resources.