Elder pulls out of welcome to country after referendum No vote

Netball Australia’s Kelly Ryan has had to perform an acknowledgement of country after a traditional elder withdrew in the wake of the voice referendum result.

Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan.

Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan stepped in to perform an acknowledgement of country on Sunday after a traditional elder withdrew in the wake of the voice referendum result.

Ms Ryan addressed a packed house at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre ahead of the Diamonds’ Constellation Cup clash, committing to “elevating and listening to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the sport”.

“We had planned to open tonight’s match with a Welcome to Country, as has been a customary and integral part of netball. We acknowledge how difficult today is for First Nations people,” Ms Ryan said before acknowledging the traditional custodians of Brisbane (Meanjin), the Jagera and Turrbal people.

“We commit to elevating and listening to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the sport of netball – our athletes, coaches, umpires, staff and volunteers.

“Netball Australia is proud of the role we must play in building a culture of equity, respect and recognition of the cultures, histories and contributions of all First Nations people who play and engage with our sport.”

Anthony Albanese’s Indigenous voice to parliament referendum was torpedoed by more than 60 per cent of voters.

Millions of voters in regional Australia and western Sydney emphatically voted No in key Labor electorates, including seats held by cabinet ministers.

Only one of 57 Coalition seats – Bradfield in Sydney – was on track to return a Yes vote. All seven teal seats won from the Liberal Party at recent elections, including Warringah, Wentworth, North Sydney, Kooyong and Goldstein, returned Yes votes.