In its sixteenth year, the 2020 NAIDOC Netball Carnival cemented itself as one of the largest Indigenous sporting events in Australia, with more than 100 teams coming together at the Gold Netball Centre on Sunday 15 November.
Supported by Principal Partner of Netball WA, the Gold Industry Group (GIG), the Carnival saw more than 2,500 netballers and their families take part, with teams travelling from across the State to proudly represent their communities. The annual event is both an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers to play competitive netball, as well as a platform to celebrate their peoples’ history, culture, and achievements.
The GIG’s fun gold activations were popular with players and their families, who enjoyed getting snapped in the gold photo booth and competing to win a special #heartofgold merchandise pack in the inflatable ‘Shoot Gold 4 Netball’ game.
As part of the NAIDOC Week celebration, the GIG also invited all Carnival participants to design a gold NAIDOC dress, with the winning design to be announced on Monday 1 December and produced across a set of dresses for the entire team. This proved to be a popular activity on the day, as players showed their talent and creativity in design. Visit the Gold NAIDOC Dress competition page for more information.
For the second year in a row, the competition featured a bespoke netball. The 2020 ball was designed by Narrogin Grassroots Site and Shooting Stars participant, Chante Kickett. Her design represents Wagyl - the rainbow serpent from the dreamtime - and the 2020 NAIDOC Week theme of ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’.
Netball WA General Manager of Community, Liz Booth, said the Carnival is a fantastic highlight of the governing body’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.
“Congratulations to all the teams who participated this year, it’s wonderful to see everyone out on court competing and enjoying themselves at the NAIDOC carnival,” said Ms Booth.
“The Carnival continues to attract more participants each year and is one of the most distinguished events on our calendar which is something we’re all proud of.
“On behalf of Netball WA, thank you to the players, coaches, umpires, officials, volunteers and families who travelled to add another successful chapter to the history of this event,” Ms Booth concluded.
The Carnival saw close to 1,300 athletes take to the courts, including participants from the Suncorp NetSetGO division through to the Opens and Mixed divisions.
Two major trophies were awarded on the day, with the Josie Janz-Dawson Award for the Fairest and Best across all junior divisions awarded to Mia Sarich from Djets, and the NAIDOC Senior Fairest and Best Award presented to Mavis Lyndon from Noranda Grassroots 1.
Visit Netball WA website for full 2020 NAIDOC Netball Carnival results.
The Gold Industry Group are proud to be the first Premier Partner of Shooting Stars and the Principal Partner of Netball WA and West Coast Fever, thanks to members Gold Fields, Northern Star Resources Limited, Saracen Mineral Holdings, Newcrest Mining, St Barbara Limited, Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti Australia, Gold Road Resources, Ramelius Resources and The Perth Mint.
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Acknowledgement of Country
The Gold Industry Group acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of the cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples..
