As debate rages about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and a looming referendum, a quiet, grass-roots netball club in Tuggeranong is embracing a local Indigenous voice on and off the court.

The diverse Hurricanes Netball Club, with 35 per cent Indigenous members and 20 per cent migrants, embodies an unwavering commitment to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-indigenous members.

And it works. Since it started four years ago, the club conducts a welcome to country at team meetings, proudly wears Indigenous designs on its uniforms, and lives and plays by the principles of unity, understanding and healing.

Club president, Louise Bilston, says her club has brought Indigenous and non-indigenous people together within the netball community, bridging gaps and building strong foundations for reconciliation.

“We listen and give our members a voice,” she says. “It makes us more aligned to the community that we live in because every team is a reflection of the communities that we live in. We all present with who we are and what we bring to the club.”

Louise admits they’re not an Indigenous club, “but it’s part of who we are, it’s just our normal uniform, whether we’re Indigenous or not”.

“We have made a conscious effort to embed Indigenous culture through conversations, communication and outreach initiatives. If some of them are doing it tough, we car-pool to make sure everyone gets to training.”

The club also dedicates extra volunteer time to reconciliation through community development, cultural awareness, inclusivity and advocacy.

At this Saturday’s game, the club has invited nationally-renowned local Indigenous artist, Kristie Peters, to create a face-painting design for players to sport on the day. Saturday also marks the Tuggeranong Netball Association’s inaugural Spirit of Reconciliation Awards.

Go Hurricanes, keep shooting goals for the generations to come.

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