What a powerful and unforgettable weekend at Charlestown Netball Association, where more than 5,000 players, families and supporters came together to celebrate netball, family, and culture through the 2025 Koori Netball Tournament. This year’s tournament carried a special purpose for our Junior Minhi sisters — to represent the next generation of First Nations girls in sport and to show what’s possible when young people are supported by family, community, culture and care.

​

For our 10–12 Years Mixed Team, it was their first-ever Koori Netball Knockout and what an incredible debut it was! Among our youngest were Net Set Go players, Heidi Torchia Mason and Marikiey Mason, 2 out of the 4 grand daughters of former Randwick Netball Association Representative Player and proud Yuin/Dharawal/Gweagal/Gunai/Wiradjuri woman Aunty Leanne Mason, who stood tall alongside their sisters and cousins and proudly wore their Minhi's colours, not only representing their team, but their culture and community. Watching them play reminded us all why these moments matter so deeply — because when our Koori girls see themselves represented, they start to believe in what they can achieve. When they feel supported by culture, family, and community, they shine brighter than ever. 

“This year has brought its challenges where our players and myself personally have faced moments of direct or indirect racism/discrimination and exclusion in our local netball community. Taking our junior players and families to the Koori Netball Knockout in Charlestown was about showing them that there are places where their culture, talent and spirit are celebrated and recognised. It’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to nurture, guide and uplift our young First Nations girls and mob through sport — in safe, fun and inclusive spaces where they feel respected, welcome and proud to be who they are.” Club President Sallie-Ann Barker.

​

That’s what makes this tournament so powerful — it’s not just about netball. It’s about giving our mob a space to belong. A space where they can feel safe, respected and voices are heard. A space where they’re surrounded by Indigenous and Non-Indigenous People who understand the importance of culture, connection and care. This year’s Koori Knockout showed once again how sport can build more than just skills. It builds strength, resilience and sisterhood. For many of our players, it was a reminder that they are part of something much bigger than the game itself. At the heart of it all, when you give our girls a ball, a team, and a safe space — you give them so much more. You give them belonging. You give them strength. You give them a voice.

​​

Together with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), our club continues to create safe, inclusive, and culturally strong spaces for First Nations kids in care, ensuring that every child who wears our colours feels supported both on and off the court.

​

Delivered in partnership with Charlestown Netball Association, the NSW Office of Sport and Netball NSW, the Koori Netball Tournament continues to be one of the most important and biggest sporting events on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sporting calendar, bringing families and communities together through culture, pride and connection. 

​

​

​

​