THREE of Tyntynder’s junior netball players have travelled to the Gold Coast to represent Victoria and their culture in this year’s National Indigenous netball carnival.
The six-day carnival is being played at Tallebudgera in Queensland, with junior netballers taking part in drills, trials and games until Sunday.
Violet Corrie, 13, and fifteen-year-olds Audrey Domaille and Issy Corrie were selected to represent their state after impressing at trials in Craigieburn last November.
At the carnival’s opening ceremony on January 2, some of the Victorian representatives performed a traditional dance.
Issy Corrie said the opportunity was made extra special by having two friends by her side.
“Playing for my state has been something that I’ve always wanted to do,” she said.
“Getting to represent my culture at the same time as well, it’s really special. Especially having Audrey and Violet by my side the whole time.
“Getting to play with Audrey has been a really great opportunity, I know her really well, so it’s been amazing to get to play alongside her.
Issy said the level of competition had been fierce.
“It’s been really good, there is some really good competition here,” she said.
“We just did a try-out for the All-Australian side and got the opportunity to mingle with the other girls who were really nice.
“They’ve welcomed us with open arms and been really approachable.
“There was a lot of great talent out there, and it’s always great to have a bit of a tussle with your opponents.
Issy said she would suggest Indigenous netballers try their hardest to get a chance to attend the carnival.
“It’s such a great opportunity,” she said.
“For girls that love netball, this would be such a great thing for them to be a part of.
“It’s a great opportunity to come up and play a really good level of netball.
“It really helps you branch out in so many ways.”
Audrey said the Victorian side has remained competitive against the other states’ sides.
“We’ve won one game, but it’s been so competitive,” she said.
“We’ve played against Queensland, the Top End team and there’s two New South Wales teams here.
“There’s never been a big difference between the teams. It’s all been close games.”
Audrey’s mother, Nonie Domaille, said the benefits of the carnival went beyond netball.
“This is a great chance for girls to meet girls from the Top End, from Queensland, Western Australia, all over the country,” she said.
“They are able to share all their different cultures and backgrounds, it’s fantastic for the girls to be able to learn a bit about everyone else’s different areas.
“The girls get to play against so many great netballers from all over Australia.
“It’s fabulous for them to be able to take this experience back home with them.”
