Celebrating multiculturalism and acknowledging Australia’s first people will be front of mind today as hundreds of young netballers take to the court for the 2020 Multicultural Carnival.
Thanks to Netball WA’s continued partnership with the Insurance Commission of Western Australia, promoting the Belt Up message, this year the carnival will feature a bespoke ball designed by Narrogin local and Shooting Stars participant, Chante Kickett.
The ball represents the rainbow serpent, Wagyl, from the dreamtime.
The NAIDOC ball is set to debut today and will also feature in the 2020 NAIDOC Netball Carnival due to run later in the year.
Now in its seventh year, the partnership sees the Belt Up road safety message delivered to more than 240,000 netballers every year throughout Western Australia. As one of the largest sports in the state, netball provides a strong platform to communicate the importance of belting up in the car.
Netball WA General Manager of Community Netball, Liz Booth said the carnival is a highlight on the Netball WA calendar.
“Western Australia is a very diverse community and we’re extremely proud to host an event that celebrates this in a fun and encouraging environment,” said Booth.
“This carnival is about different cultures coming together, as it engages players from a wide variety of ethnicities. Incorporating the 2020 NAIDOC ball seemed like the perfect way to not only celebrate our State’s multiculturalism, but also acknowledge our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.”
Commission Secretary, Kane Blackman said the Insurance Commission is pleased to place the Belt Up message in the hands of hundreds of netball players.
“The Insurance Commission is pleased to partner with Netball WA to once again deliver the Belt Up NAIDOC ball.”
“The Insurance Commission strives to raise awareness of the Belt Up road safety message, and this provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with the netball and Indigenous communities to promote this message”.
“This is an important message to share, as not wearing a seat belt can significantly increase the severity of injuries sustained in a car crash.”
“We know these netballs will be used with pride, and we hope each of the teams will enjoy taking the message back to their respective communities.”
“The Insurance Commission would like to congratulate Chante on her winning ball design.”
