Netball Australia Establishes First Nations Cultural Council

Netball Australia has announced the formation of its First Nations Cultural Council. The Council is positioned to place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices at the centre of decision-making, acting as co-designers for the sport’s future evolution and systemic reform.

The shift moves beyond a traditional advisory structure to one of shared leadership.

Defining the initiative as a long-term strategic commitment, Netball Australia CEO, Stacey West, said: “Cultural safety and systemic reform is not a project, it’s a journey… It’s about truth-telling, building trust, and transforming how we work and think.”

Netball Australia’s general manager First Nations, Ali Tucker-Munro, elaborated on the distinction of the Council model.

“It’s about shared leadership, truth-telling, and creating space for First Nations voices to influence, direct and decide on the future of our sport.” 

A primary function of the First Nations Cultural Council will be the co-design of Netball Australia’s inaugural Cultural Safety Framework, a phased national initiative designed to embed cultural safety standards across all netball environments.

The first phase, commencing this 2025, will focus on defining and implementing clear principles within High Performance and Pathway environments, before expanding to participation and community levels in the second phase. This critical foundational work is supported by a donation from the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation.

The First Nations Cultural Council is composed of highly respected leaders with extensive expertise in governance, community advocacy, and corporate regulation. Members include Tricia Stroud, Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations, and Vonda Malone, former CEO of the Torres Strait Regional Authority, both of whom bring distinguished experience in complex human rights and governance matters.

The inclusion of Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker AM (Research Professor, former National Women’s Basketball League player) ensures a high calibre of academic and sporting experience.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.