It was a wonderful start to NAIDOC Week 2018 as the KARI Foundation partnered with Netball NSW for its first ever Indigenous Round.
There were uniforms designed specifically for the Giants Netball and the Sydney Swifts that represented the stories and cultures of the club’s local Indigenous communities.
16-year-old Krystal Dallinger is a huge Giants fan and designed the Giants uniforms that were worn during the Indigenous Round game. Dallinger spent the whole Christmas holidays designing the Giants Dress. She had come into contact with the Giants team through the ASPIRE program.
“[The design] represents the inland, the coastal and they’ve mentioned that we’re all under the one sky so the stars are at the top of the dress.
“Not only does it reflect Dallinger’s journey but I think the impact that her family and the community has had on her journey comes through as well’.
Photo: Louise Kennerley
The introduction of Netball NSW’s first Indigenous round is part of increased efforts to provide an inclusive environment surrounding netball. Therefore, it was fitting that the round was at the start of NAIDOC week. This allowed time to acknowledge the role that Indigenous women have and do play in the betterment of netball within Australia.
KARI Foundation pre-game activities were located outside of the International Convention Centre (ICC). Eager fans of both netball teams were invited to participate in Sand Art. They were also eager to learn more about the KARI Foundation and our commitment to community. They chose from two patterned boomerangs and created lovely pieces of artwork with Swifts or Giants colours.
Before the game was due to start, KARI Singers showcased their talent and culture to the crowd. They sung in both language and English. With over 7,000 fans attending the game, the singers had the audience listening to their every word.
At 3/4 time the Singers took to the court to sing Djapana. The crowd joined in on the singers choreography as well as the performance!
The GWS Giants ended up triumphant over the Swifts in an exhilarating 66-56 lead. The game was full of energy. It was a true celebration of Indigenous culture, which KARI was proud to partner with.
KARI Foundation is looking forward to building our relationship with Netball NSW, especially supporting Indigenous participation in Netball. We look forward to some exciting new announcements in the near future.