QUT has partnered with Deadly Choices to host their first all-ages Murri Netball Carnival, held earlier this month at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.
The carnival was designed to raise awareness of Indigenous sport and create visibility and aspirational value for the next generation of Indigenous athletes. The sugar-, alcohol- and smoke-free event also focused on building connections and promoting health and wellbeing across Indigenous communities.
Around 270 players competed across 18 teams and three age divisions: juniors (6-12), cadets (13-15) and seniors (16+). Volunteers took on a variety of essential roles to help the carnival run smoothly, including as event assistants, coaches, scorers and COVID compliance officers.
Across the two-day carnival, the junior boys and girls had fun participating in skills and drills activities, as well as round robin netball games.
QUT’s First Nations Elder in Residence Gregory Egert, known to the community as Uncle Cheg, spoke to the junior players about cultural awareness and embracing heritage.
Junior players also heard from Deadly Choices ambassadors about how to prioritise health and lead active lives. Queensland Firebirds player, QUT Elite Athlete and Deadly Choices ambassador Jemma Mi Mi spent time at the carnival.
“It was great to see so many young kids get out there enjoying the sport that I love," Jemma said. "Hopefully [QUT and Deadly Choices] continue this partnership and this great carnival, and I hope to see more faces in the future."
In the Cadets round, the All Stars took out the number one spot, followed by Murri Taipans Juniors in number two, MVP’s, Goodna Wombats, Kabi Kabi Juniors, Indig Juniors, Mabel Park SHS and St George.
In the Opens, Bunji's were in first place, followed by Earth QAICH, Wallas Deadly Tiddas, Murri Taipans Seniors, Dreamers, Dunghutti, Kabi Kabi Tidda’s, Riley Renegades and Solid Sista’s Seniors.
Deadly Choices is a health promotion initiative of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health and empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. To find out more, visit Deadly Choices
For more information about QUT's netball program, email netball@qut.edu.au.
