2024 Minhi's Netball Club Indigenous Artwork_edited_edited.jpg

ABOUT US

Who We Are

Founded in 2019 as a memorial club and inspired by the remembrance, resilience and recognition of our late Father Mr Thomas Hill - Stewart (Dec.), Great-Great-Grandmother, Mrs Muriel Stewart (Cooley) (Dec.) , the first Aboriginal Woman Justice of the Peace in New South Wales and Kinchela Boys Home Stolen Generations Survivor, their Grand Father Mr Jesse Barker (Par) (Dec.). Wiradjuri and Yuin Sisters, Sallie-Ann and Emilie Barker, have embarked on a mission to foster and provide resilience, cultural awareness education, empowerment and strength through Netball.

Residing and playing on Gadigal and Bidjigal lands in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, our dynamic and culturally vibrant not-for-profit Aboriginal netball club is dedicated to promoting health, community spirit, and excellence in sport. We offer a supportive environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls, boys, men and women can develop their netball skills, engage in competitive play, and celebrate their cultural heritage. Through a blend of traditional values, modern athletic training and amazing community sponsors and partners, our programs foster teamwork, leadership, physical and mental growth, while strengthening connections within our community.

Drawing strength from a spirit deeply rooted ancestral legacy of resilience and community, who in their own right, defied societal barriers and hardships to pave the way for future generations, unwavering commitment to justice and equality for our First Nations People in NSW, these two sisters both serve as the cornerstone of the club's ethos.

What We Do

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. We prioritise inclusiveness, teamwork, respect, and fair play, creating a fun culture where every member feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. From friendly social games to competitive league matches, we offer opportunities for everyone to participate and thrive in the sport they love. We believe in the power of sport to inspire, empower, and bring people together. Whether you're a seasoned player or just discovering the joys of netball, there's a place for you here. Our club is a vibrant hub where players of all ages and skill levels come together to learn, grow, and excel both on and off the court.

Our Vision

Our club is more than just about winning. It's about building lifelong friendships, creating unforgettable memories, being proud of your culture and embracing the spirit of community. Working with Indigenous and Non Indigenous people, Netball NSW regulatory bodies and Coaching Unlimited through education, workshops, social gatherings, and volunteer initiatives, we aim to strengthen bonds both within our club and with the broader netball community.

Our Mission

Our mission for the club is to promote a safe, fun, inclusive environment that supports all players to reach their potential and that we provide a positive netball experience for all. Adapting a certain training skill and development through dedication and management practices. As well as playing netball, our focus is on making healthier choices for our Mob, promoting mental health tools and growing confidence for all players.

Our club philosophy is what makes the club who it is today.

We pride ourselves on 3 pillar principals:

Passion - This has been shown to be the biggest predictor of success and it will be key to reaching both your athletic goals as well as any other goals you set in your lifetime. Passion is an extension of Mental Toughness. This is a skill that we develop in the girls throughout the netball season and off-season so that they develop persistence overtime by training specific pathways in your brain so that they never give up on their goals and dreams.

Perseverance - This is the mental strength necessary to continue striving for person’s goals in the face of obstacles and setbacks. This sort of perseverance requires dedication, focus, and patience. Players face losses and hard times in games and go through difficult situations outside of netball that may affect their netball experience. However, as a club that
supports one another, and builds each other up as a team we find this skill as an opportunity to learn, grow or improve the individual’s situation so we can reach the main goal.

Patience - Mental health plays a huge role in our daily lives and anger and stress are two vital emotions that often occur in any sport including Netball. Patience is an important tool to teach our coaches, players and volunteers so that they overcome frustration on the court and in everyday life. Patience allows us to suspend judgement long enough to make informed decisions. This is a skill that can be learned and practiced, and it is a result of choosing to emphasize thinking over feeling.

By having this philosophy at the base of our club, we are able to continue to cultivate a strong, respected, unified club that is competitive and successful on court while being a supportive network off court.