Indigenous Basketball Talent Shines

group of deadly sista girlz stand on basketball court flanked by 2 adult mentors

Indigenous Basketball talent shone when over 60 participants from our Deadly Sista Girlz came together to compete in the 2021 DSG Senior Basketball Carnival.

Supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and delivered by strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander role models, Deadly Sista Girlz is a culturally appropriate program which aims to improve engagement and school attendance amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls. Participants are enabled to make informed decisions about their personal health and well-being through the delivery of mentoring sessions.

Mentors offer a stable environment and aim to engage, educate, and empower at risk girls to make positive choices for their health and futures. Participants benefit from having trusted mentors present and available on the school grounds, helping to build routine, encourage better relationships with the wider community, instil confidence and achieve goals.

As part of Deadly Sista Girlz, participants take part in a tailored Sport and Recreation program, which utilises weekly sport sessions as an important engagement tool and highlights the importance of health and fitness. The girls have the opportunity to compete in sporting events throughout the year, including basketball and AFL competitions.

Whilst the carnival is a great way to showcase their basketball skills, it is more importantly an opportunity for program participants to forge connections with their fellow sista girls from different schools.

Nine teams from Deadly Sista Girlz sites competed on the day, representing Southern River College, Gilmore College, Yulebrook College / Sevenoaks College, Fremantle College, St Brigids College, Ellenbrook Secondary College, Northam Senior High School, Governor Stirling Senior High and Belmont City College.

The carnival culminated in a hard-fought Grand Final between Gilmore College and Sevenoaks College with Gilmore College claiming the victory by 6 points (19-13).

At the end of the carnival awards were presented by our very own DSG Mentor and SBL Basketball player Tahlia Fejo. These awards were presented to girls that not only performed at high level on the court but also acted within the spirit of the Deadly Sista Girlz program.

Award Recipients

Dhakiyarr Award (Tournament MVP)- Zoe Simpson (Sevenoaks/Yulebrook) (Year 10) – 10 Votes

Dhakiyarr Award (Tournament MVP Runner-Up)- Ashleigh Reidy (Gilmore College) (Year 12) – 9 Votes

Leading Point Scorer- Ashleigh Reidy (Gilmore College) (Year 12)- 14.25 PPG

Burumbiddy Award (Rising Star)- Kira Akune (Belmont City College)

Baru Award (Spirit and Sportsmanship Award)- Sienna Winter (Fremantle College) (Year 10)

Team MVPs

Ellenbrook Secondary College- Tahlia Heatherington (Year 11)

Gilmore College- Viola Garlett (Year 10)

Governor Stirling Senior High School- Muriel Blurton (Year 12)

Northam Senior High School- Jasmine Wynne (Year 11)

Sevenoaks College/Yulebrook College- Giovanna Nicette (Year 11)