From 13 to 15 September 2024, First Nations representatives from every state and territory in Australia took to the court in the inaugural First Nations Tournament. The tournament provided a platform for First Nation netball players, coaches, officials and umpires to showcase their abilities and boost their profiles. 

Netball, originally known as women’s basketball, was first introduced to Australia in the late 1890s. Today, Australia’s national squad, the Australian Diamonds, are the number one team in the world. 

To date, there have only been three First Nation players in the Diamonds team: Yuin woman Marcia Ella-Duncan OAM, Dunghutti, Biripi and Gumbaynggirr woman Sharon Finnan-White OAM and Noongar woman Donnell Wallam. 

According to Netball Australia’s 2022 report, netball is one of the most popular sports in the country for young First Nation adults. The tournament provided an amazing opportunity to showcase their talent, culture and community at a higher sporting level. 

The tournament occurred following the creation of the First Nations national team, the Black Swans, and their debut at the 2024 Pacific Netball Series in Brisbane. Some of the players at the inaugural First Nations netball tournament were identified as talent for the Black Swans 2025 squad.

We commissioned photographer Rachel Bach to capture the final day of the tournament at Naarm’s State Netball Centre. Bach’s documentation of the tournament provided a range of images highlighting the fierce competition as well as a warm sense of camaraderie.

The competition was split into two pools, with both Queensland and South Australia progressing to the finals undefeated to compete for first place. In a close final game, Queensland were crowned the champions of the tournament, winning 37-35.

The images taken of the Inaugural First Nations Tournament document a monumental moment in the sport, capturing the profound impact of the event and the pride of First Nation communities coming together with a shared goal. The tournament not only emphasises the diversity of netball in Australia but also highlights the power of representation in the sport, setting a new precedent for future generations of First Nation athletes.

This commissioned photographic collection reflects our ongoing commitment to document Australian life in all its diversity and to represent the views of First Nations Australians.