Netball NSW would like to congratulate and welcome the members of the First Nations community who have been appointed to the organisation’s Aboriginal Advisory Group.
The purpose of the Group will be to facilitate a meaningful partnership between Aboriginal people and NNSW, and to ensure that First Nations voices and needs are heard and respected within the State’s netball community.
The Group is also responsible for providing strategic advice to NNSW management by drawing on their lived experience and knowledge of current and emerging realities.
This advice will assist in the development of operational policies, including the implementation of the next stage of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Aboriginal employment and volunteering strategies, and training and development for the organisation as a whole.
The Group was developed in conjunction with NNSW’s RAP Working Group which previously played a critical role in the delivery of the organisation’s first Reflect RAP, the award-winning C.A.R.E Program, Premier League First Nations Round and the Koori Gala Days. In particular, NNSW would like to thank Ali Tucker-Munro, Donna Coady and Georgina Bruinsma for their cultural insights and their assistance in the development of this Advisory Group.
The seven-strong Group will be co-chaired by Lauren Chester and Steven Slee.
Chester is a passionate netballer and proud Dharawal woman with connections to the La Perouse Aboriginal community who possesses over 12 years of diverse sports management experience across the UK and Australia.
Slee, a proud Anaiwan Aboriginal man from the New England region, brings 18 years of experience in senior management, including Chief Executive roles in Aboriginal organisations, cultural advisory, policy development and national training management.
NNSW CEO Tracey Scott said the formation of the Advisory Group was a huge step forward for the game.
“While we have launched some wonderful programs in recent years, it is vital that we have a more hands-on approach when it comes to listening to and liaising with local Aboriginal communities to identify and understand issues affecting their involvement in our game.
“We know that netball is one of the most popular sports among our First Nations peoples and it is our responsibility to provide a safe and welcoming environment.
“One of the key roles of this Group is to review and provide advice and guidance in the development of culturally appropriate strategies and initiatives to enhance positive outcomes in collaboration with the Aboriginal community and to increase participation across all facets of the pathway.
“It doesn’t matter if a First Nations player or coach aims to be a NSW Swift or GIANT, or just wants to participate in Saturday netball with their mates, a universal understanding is required to ensure inclusion is at the forefront of who we are.
“As an organisation we are excited to work collaboratively with the Group to develop strategies to address these aforementioned needs, issues and interests.”
Co-Chair Chester said:
“It’s always a privilege to represent my culture and advocate for our people. The formation of the Aboriginal Advisory Group demonstrates NNSW’s willingness to engage community, create a culturally safe environment for its participants, and signifies an important milestone in their reconciliation journey.
“The depth and breadth of talent amongst the Group is truly impressive; I’m looking forward to building connections, learning from our collective experiences, and making a meaningful contribution to the sport that’s given me so much over the years.”
Fellow co-Chair Steven Slee said:
“To see Netball NSW take the initiative to strive to become a leader of reconciliation and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the sport of netball has been both moving and encouraging.
“Seeing first-hand the passion from Netball NSW from key personnel at the very top to not only want to ensure inclusion, but to ensure that First Nations people and communities are engaged, consulted and supported is reassuring.
“The Aboriginal Advisory Group is a massive step in the right direction which has seen immediate impact into the operations of Netball NSW’s inclusive practices as well as some new and exciting initiatives and programs that aim to encourage participation and support First Nations people in the sport moving forward.
“I look forward to seeing the positive changes coming soon to netball in NSW that will provide greater pathways to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all aspects of the game.”
Netball NSW Aboriginal Advisory Group
- Thelmerie Rudd
Thelmerie a respected Darug Elder and Director at Boorooberongal Aboriginal Elders Corporation who contributes extensively to community and governance roles. As a member of the Paramatta Parklands Trustee board and various consultation groups, she applies her Traditional Custodian perspective to infrastructure projects under the NSW Connecting to Country framework.
Thelmarie’s longstanding passion for netball spans coaching, umpiring, and fostering pathways for youth. She advocates for culturally respectful partnerships and pathways within Netball NSW, emphasizing community engagement strategies to encourage Aboriginal participation at all levels of the sport.
- Nezmia Hay
A proud Mutthi Mutthi woman with 31 years of netball experience, deeply engaged in Penrith’s sporting community. As a Senior Project Officer, Nezima applies her strategic planning and stakeholder engagement skills to benefit Aboriginal communities in social housing.
A registered kinship carer, Nezmia advocates passionately for Aboriginal children and recently contributed to Penrith Council’s Statement of Recognition workshops. She emphasizes the need for local associations to engage inclusively with Aboriginal communities, to create culturally safe spaces and ensuring pathway opportunities for young netball players.
- Lauren Chester (Co-Chair)
A passionate netballer and proud Dharawal woman with connections to the La Perouse Aboriginal community, Lauren brings over 12 years of diverse sports management experience across the UK and Australia.
Committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, she focuses on using sport for reconciliation, evident in her roles at Cronulla Sharks and previous work with FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Lauren’s leadership extends to community involvement and her pursuit of personal growth through programs like the Emerging Indigenous Executive Leaders Program. She aims to leverage her expertise to drive impactful change.
- Rachal Allan
Rachal is Gamilaraay yinaar from Quirindi & Tamworth in north-west NSW. She has lived and worked on Dharawal Country for the last decade, with a background in Aboriginal health and using sport as a vehicle to drive health, social, and economic outcomes for First Nations people. In 2023, she received the Charles Perkins Memorial Prize for Academic Excellence, graduating from the University of Sydney with a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion.
She is the current co-chair of the Office of Sports RAP Implementation Team and is passionate about driving genuine, respectful, and meaningful engagement with First Nations people and cultures within sports and the wider community.
- Steven Slee (Co-Chair)
A proud Anaiwan Aboriginal man from the New England region, Steven brings extensive leadership and sports experience with over 18 years in senior management, including Chief Executive roles in Aboriginal organisations, cultural advisory, policy development and national training management.
Currently serving as Cultural Coordinator for Callaghan District Netball Association, Steven enhances Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation by fostering inclusivity and support. His passion lies in connecting sports such as Rugby League & Netball NSW with communities to create pathways and opportunities, ensuring cultural appropriateness and empowering Aboriginal people in sports.
- Megan Hartog-Smith
Megan is a Gomeroi/Wiradjuri woman coming through the ranks at Narrabri Netball Association and now a proud Ku-ring-gai netball mum. Megan brings a comprehensive background in netball in player, administrator, coach, umpire, and parent roles.
Professionally, she has over 20 years in the public sector, focusing on education, children and families. Megan excels in community engagement, project leadership, and strategic planning, advocating for inclusive pathways and partnerships in netball. She seeks to empower First Nations athletes through mentorship and consultation-driven improvements in the sport.
- Caroline Dallinger
A proud Gamilaroi/Yuwaalaraay woman, with an extensive sporting background and decades of experience designing, developing, and delivering programs for First Nations communities. With a strong advocacy for education and equity, Caroline aims to support all members of Netball NSW and the advisory group.
Caroline advocates for regional athletes, urging for improved access and opportunities closer to home. She emphasizes transparency, communication, and inclusive participation in building meaningful partnerships. Dedicated to bridging gaps in First Nations pathways, Caroline seeks to amplify voices from smaller regional and remote communities, ensuring support, guidance, and understanding prevail.