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etball Queensland has announced the formation of its inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee in an effort to improve the way it engages with First Nations communities across Queensland.

As part of the launch, Netball Queensland announced the members, including Sharon Finnan-White, Beryl Friday, Leeonee Thompson, Craig Williams, Bo De La Cruz, and Chenoa Masters.

Finnan-White said the Committee is a critical step for Netball Queensland in addressing underlying barriers affecting netball’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants.

“I am looking forward to my involvement as a member of this inaugural committee,” Finann-White said.

“The formation of this group is formal recognition of the need to fundamentally improve netball’s engagement with First Nations peoples and address the underlying barriers affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, coaches, umpires, and administrators.

“I am confident the highly experienced individuals on this committee can help Netball Queensland build on the good work being delivered through the Diamond Spirit program, and ensure all future programs, pathways and engagements are culturally appropriate and safe, driven by the increased cultural awareness and competency of Netball Queensland staff,” she said.

Netball Queensland CEO, Catherine Clark, said she believes the Committee will play a leading role in creating genuine change and outcomes.

“It is our responsibility, across all levels of netball, to continue to educate ourselves and foster an environment where every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman around the country is afforded the opportunity to fulfil her potential within our game,” Clark said.

“Central to that process is ensuring these women are represented, have a voice and a seat at the table in all conversations moving forward.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such qualified and respected individuals join our inaugural committee to drive this change.

“This is not a change Netball Queensland can deliver on its own.

“It will take action at all levels of our game from grassroots netball clubs, associations, our HART Sapphire Series clubs, through to Netball Australia.

“It must become a shared commitment and priority, and if we are united in our efforts, we will create lasting and important change,” she said.