When Phoebe Hickson, a proud Dhungutti and Wiradjuri woman, and member of Netball NSW’s First Nations Team, the Waradas, pulls on her netball dress, she carries more than just team colours. She carries the legacy of her aunties who taught her how to play, the pride of her family, and the strength of a culture that’s shaped every part of her journey, from how she moves on the court to how she leads with heart.

“Representing my mob, family and community is a privilege,” says Phoebe. “It’s an opportunity not everyone gets, so I’m extremely grateful. In my family and community, as we were growing up, we were taught essential life lessons on the netball court. We were taught to play with dignity and respect. We were told to respect the opposition, the court, the umpires and coaches just as you would your elders.”

A Celebration of Talent and Culture

Phoebe, who joined the Waradas in 2025, is one of ten outstanding athletes, and one of two debut players, selected to represent their state at the 2025 First Nations Netball Tournament. Now in its second year, the tournament has evolved into a five-day celebration of Indigenous excellence, uniting First Nations athletes from across the country in a full round-robin competition.

“I’m really looking forward to connecting with other mob, playing high-level netball, and continuing to grow on and off the court,” says Phoebe. “This campaign is a chance to showcase our culture, our talent, and to inspire the next generation by showing what’s possible when we come together and back ourselves.”

Mardi Aplin, General Manager, Performance & Pathways at Netball NSW, says the program gives athletes the rare opportunity to bring their full selves to the court, athletically and culturally.

“It’s an amazing experience for these athletes, not only playing the sport they love, but also playing for the culture that is such a big part of their lives. Last year, being the pilot year, it was a new experience. A lot of those athletes hadn’t been able to represent New South Wales at that level previously. The two worlds combining was a fantastic opportunity for them.”

Finding Purpose through Pathway

For proud Ngemba and Barkandji woman, Jaylah Boney, joining the Waradas in its inaugural year came at a pivotal time. A keen netballer since the age of five, she was introduced to netball by her Auntie and watching her mum play every weekend in Newcastle for Cardiff, the first Netball Club she ever joined. The journey hasn’t been without challenges. “Nothing’s ever easy with sport. When I haven't made teams, my resilience has really helped me to just bounce back and keep going. But there have been big highs and big lows,” she says. “Before this tournament was even going to be a thing, I started to turn away from netball. If it wasn’t for this, I don’t think I would’ve kept playing.”

Mardi recalls that moment. “Jaylah was getting to the top age of the underage pathways, teetering on the edge of no longer trying to be competitive. The tournament renewed her love for netball. She captained our side and was then elevated into the national First Nations netball team. To see someone so close to stepping away go on to achieve all of that is what it’s all about. I see these athletes come through our pathway and it’s a rocky road,” Mardi says. “You make teams, you don’t make teams, it’s up and down. But this gives them that little bit of fire in the belly to keep going. The growth I’ve seen is just phenomenal.”

That growth isn’t just athletic, it’s psychological, too. For Phoebe, the program has built her belief in herself. “There was a point in the season where I thought I wasn’t good enough on the court,” she says. “I doubted my ability and was losing confidence with every game. But I realised I was in the game for all the right reasons, and that with hard work, I would be enough.”

The tournament has also had a powerful impact on cultural pride and community connection, uniting players, families and supporters through shared celebration, Mardi recalls. “I've been involved with netball for quite some time and gone to many national tournaments but the highlight for me was the [First Nations National Netball Tournament] closing ceremony last year. It was absolutely phenomenal,” she says. “There were different mobs from everywhere around Australia who came together to share that journey. Everyone was up dancing, there were First Nations people playing music, it was an inspiring display of culture,” she says.

Inspiring the Next Generation

This year, FDC has renewed its support as the sole sponsor of the Waradas team with $20,000 to fund travel, accommodation, uniforms, and high-performance support for each player, competing at the 2025 First Nations National Netball Tournament.

“That support means everything,” says Mardi. “It helps alleviate financial pressure so these athletes can go and represent their state and their culture. We always talk about having a safe space for our First Nations athletes. They’ve all got their own stories with their culture and their history that they bring to the team.” And as the Waradas continue to grow, so do the possibilities. “It wasn’t just a one-off,” Mardi says. “It’s something athletes can now truly aspire to.”

For Phoebe, that’s exactly the point. “I like this quote from [baseball player] Tommy Lasorda: ‘The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination’,” she says. “Embrace your journey and enjoy where you are at. Think of your personal growth and development and don’t be afraid to be yourself.”

Jaylah is thinking about legacy, too. “Without netball, I don't think I'd be the person I am today. It’s been a big part of me growing up and it means a lot. In the netball environment, there aren't many black girls. It means everything, and as a proud Aboriginal young woman, it’s a privilege. Not a lot of girls get this opportunity so I will wear this dress with pride, make all the young ones at home proud and hopefully inspire them to want to be like us one day. I am so grateful to be a part of this team the second time around.” Her message to the next generation of First Nations players is a powerful one: “Don’t let anyone hold you back. If things don’t go the way you want, be proud of who you are and what you can do. And just keep striving.”

FDC is proud to sponsor the Waradas for the 2025 Netball Australia First Nations Tournament, held from 20 – 24 August at Jubilee Park Stadium in Frankston, Victoria.