Latest news with #RemiKamo
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Money worries top Super Netball player concerns: survey
Australia's leading netballers are most worried about financial security and fair pay - and most don't feel comfortable about raising issues with governing body Netball Australia. The first anonymous player survey conducted by the Australian Netball Players' Association considered Super Netballers' thoughts on issues such as fertility, career transition, mental health and workload balance, as well as money. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, minimum salaries will rise to $46,600 and the average salary to $86,500 by 2026. By comparison, AFLW players' average salary will increase to $82,000 by the end of 2027. But the minimum salary for AFLW players has risen this year to $67,337, which is a large leap from netball. According to the survey, which asked players to rank their key challenges, 69 per cent listed financial security as No.1, with a number of players requiring additional external employment. "This remains the most pressing concern, reflecting ongoing issues around salary equity, job stability, cost of living pressures, and the need for supplementary income through work outside netball," the ANPA survey stated. More than half of the players surveyed (56 per cent) stated scheduling and workload balance as their second biggest challenge - attempting to balance training, travel and games with work, study and a personal life. The other top two challenges were career transition support post netball (47 per cent), and mental health and well-being (25 per cent). "While fewer players listed this as a key challenge compared to other categories, it still reflects that one in four athletes experience wellbeing difficulties significant enough to impact performance or life satisfaction," the survey posits. The survey also showed that 56 per cent of players accessed mental health support services in the past year. While almost all players are comfortable raising concerns with their teammates or the ANPA, only 12 per cent said they were with Netball Australia (NA). The governing body was accused earlier this year of mishandling a complaint against the Queensland Firebirds by former player Remi Kamo. Kamo became the first Super Netball player to lodge an official complaint, accusing the club of bullying, gaslighting and an "unsafe environment" before her departure in mid-2024. After a seven-month independent review, NA announced in March that Kamo's allegations "were not substantiated". However Kamo was backed by the union, which claimed "key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed". The survey also questioned players about reproductive health with 28 per cent reporting "anxiety", while 89 per cent would participate in a free fertility check. "This demonstrates a high level of interest in reproductive health support and suggests that access to services like fertility testing could empower players with valuable information about their future options," the ANPA wrote. The players' body said the results would guide targeted support strategies across the sport. Australia's leading netballers are most worried about financial security and fair pay - and most don't feel comfortable about raising issues with governing body Netball Australia. The first anonymous player survey conducted by the Australian Netball Players' Association considered Super Netballers' thoughts on issues such as fertility, career transition, mental health and workload balance, as well as money. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, minimum salaries will rise to $46,600 and the average salary to $86,500 by 2026. By comparison, AFLW players' average salary will increase to $82,000 by the end of 2027. But the minimum salary for AFLW players has risen this year to $67,337, which is a large leap from netball. According to the survey, which asked players to rank their key challenges, 69 per cent listed financial security as No.1, with a number of players requiring additional external employment. "This remains the most pressing concern, reflecting ongoing issues around salary equity, job stability, cost of living pressures, and the need for supplementary income through work outside netball," the ANPA survey stated. More than half of the players surveyed (56 per cent) stated scheduling and workload balance as their second biggest challenge - attempting to balance training, travel and games with work, study and a personal life. The other top two challenges were career transition support post netball (47 per cent), and mental health and well-being (25 per cent). "While fewer players listed this as a key challenge compared to other categories, it still reflects that one in four athletes experience wellbeing difficulties significant enough to impact performance or life satisfaction," the survey posits. The survey also showed that 56 per cent of players accessed mental health support services in the past year. While almost all players are comfortable raising concerns with their teammates or the ANPA, only 12 per cent said they were with Netball Australia (NA). The governing body was accused earlier this year of mishandling a complaint against the Queensland Firebirds by former player Remi Kamo. Kamo became the first Super Netball player to lodge an official complaint, accusing the club of bullying, gaslighting and an "unsafe environment" before her departure in mid-2024. After a seven-month independent review, NA announced in March that Kamo's allegations "were not substantiated". However Kamo was backed by the union, which claimed "key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed". The survey also questioned players about reproductive health with 28 per cent reporting "anxiety", while 89 per cent would participate in a free fertility check. "This demonstrates a high level of interest in reproductive health support and suggests that access to services like fertility testing could empower players with valuable information about their future options," the ANPA wrote. The players' body said the results would guide targeted support strategies across the sport. Australia's leading netballers are most worried about financial security and fair pay - and most don't feel comfortable about raising issues with governing body Netball Australia. The first anonymous player survey conducted by the Australian Netball Players' Association considered Super Netballers' thoughts on issues such as fertility, career transition, mental health and workload balance, as well as money. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, minimum salaries will rise to $46,600 and the average salary to $86,500 by 2026. By comparison, AFLW players' average salary will increase to $82,000 by the end of 2027. But the minimum salary for AFLW players has risen this year to $67,337, which is a large leap from netball. According to the survey, which asked players to rank their key challenges, 69 per cent listed financial security as No.1, with a number of players requiring additional external employment. "This remains the most pressing concern, reflecting ongoing issues around salary equity, job stability, cost of living pressures, and the need for supplementary income through work outside netball," the ANPA survey stated. More than half of the players surveyed (56 per cent) stated scheduling and workload balance as their second biggest challenge - attempting to balance training, travel and games with work, study and a personal life. The other top two challenges were career transition support post netball (47 per cent), and mental health and well-being (25 per cent). "While fewer players listed this as a key challenge compared to other categories, it still reflects that one in four athletes experience wellbeing difficulties significant enough to impact performance or life satisfaction," the survey posits. The survey also showed that 56 per cent of players accessed mental health support services in the past year. While almost all players are comfortable raising concerns with their teammates or the ANPA, only 12 per cent said they were with Netball Australia (NA). The governing body was accused earlier this year of mishandling a complaint against the Queensland Firebirds by former player Remi Kamo. Kamo became the first Super Netball player to lodge an official complaint, accusing the club of bullying, gaslighting and an "unsafe environment" before her departure in mid-2024. After a seven-month independent review, NA announced in March that Kamo's allegations "were not substantiated". However Kamo was backed by the union, which claimed "key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed". The survey also questioned players about reproductive health with 28 per cent reporting "anxiety", while 89 per cent would participate in a free fertility check. "This demonstrates a high level of interest in reproductive health support and suggests that access to services like fertility testing could empower players with valuable information about their future options," the ANPA wrote. The players' body said the results would guide targeted support strategies across the sport.
Perth Now
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Money worries top Super Netball player concerns: survey
Australia's leading netballers are most worried about financial security and fair pay - and most don't feel comfortable about raising issues with governing body Netball Australia. The first anonymous player survey conducted by the Australian Netball Players' Association considered Super Netballers' thoughts on issues such as fertility, career transition, mental health and workload balance, as well as money. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, minimum salaries will rise to $46,600 and the average salary to $86,500 by 2026. By comparison, AFLW players' average salary will increase to $82,000 by the end of 2027. But the minimum salary for AFLW players has risen this year to $67,337, which is a large leap from netball. According to the survey, which asked players to rank their key challenges, 69 per cent listed financial security as No.1, with a number of players requiring additional external employment. "This remains the most pressing concern, reflecting ongoing issues around salary equity, job stability, cost of living pressures, and the need for supplementary income through work outside netball," the ANPA survey stated. More than half of the players surveyed (56 per cent) stated scheduling and workload balance as their second biggest challenge - attempting to balance training, travel and games with work, study and a personal life. The other top two challenges were career transition support post netball (47 per cent), and mental health and well-being (25 per cent). "While fewer players listed this as a key challenge compared to other categories, it still reflects that one in four athletes experience wellbeing difficulties significant enough to impact performance or life satisfaction," the survey posits. The survey also showed that 56 per cent of players accessed mental health support services in the past year. While almost all players are comfortable raising concerns with their teammates or the ANPA, only 12 per cent said they were with Netball Australia (NA). The governing body was accused earlier this year of mishandling a complaint against the Queensland Firebirds by former player Remi Kamo. Kamo became the first Super Netball player to lodge an official complaint, accusing the club of bullying, gaslighting and an "unsafe environment" before her departure in mid-2024. After a seven-month independent review, NA announced in March that Kamo's allegations "were not substantiated". However Kamo was backed by the union, which claimed "key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed". The survey also questioned players about reproductive health with 28 per cent reporting "anxiety", while 89 per cent would participate in a free fertility check. "This demonstrates a high level of interest in reproductive health support and suggests that access to services like fertility testing could empower players with valuable information about their future options," the ANPA wrote. The players' body said the results would guide targeted support strategies across the sport.
The Advertiser
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Thunderbirds clip Firebirds' wings in Super showdown
Reigning champions Adelaide have snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming Queensland in a Super Netball top-four clash in Brisbane. The Thunderbirds moved to outright second on the competition table with a rousing 62-53 win over the Firebirds on Saturday, as all teams chase the unbeaten NSW Swifts. Suffering a third straight loss, the Firebirds remain in fourth with the remainder of the round to be completed. The loss capped a forgettable week for the Queensland side, who were back in the headlines with allegations by ex-player Remi Kamo of a toxic culture at the club resurfacing. Adelaide were missing star defender Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who announced her pregnancy last week, but goal defence Latanya Wilson stepped up with a stand-out performance. "We knew that we wanted this game and we did it for our skipper (Hannah Petty) as it was her 100th game," said Wilson, who was named player of the match. "I'm so proud of my own performance as I've known that there's been room for improvement but I'm humbled to go out there and try to do the best for the team in each game." The Firebirds got off to a strong start, racing to a 19-17 lead, with goal-shooter Mary Cholhok finding the ring for 11 goals. But Adelaide answered to dominate the second stanza to hold a 33-30 lead by halftime. Little split the teams in the third quarter, although the visitors were able to maintain their three-point buffer thanks to Romelda Aiken-George. The veteran sharpshooter finished the match with a haul of 34 goals from 46 attempts while goal attack Lauren Frew was on range, bagging a valuable 22 from 23. It had an immediate impact with Aiken-George and Lauren Frew scoring back-to-back goals for a 52-49 lead. With the margin blowing out to five goals, Firebirds coach Kiri Wills tried the same tactic but her side were unable to close the gap in the dying minutes. Cholhok finished with 35 goals from 47 attempts to lead their scoring while goal-keeper Isabelle Shearer was the star performer in defence. Reigning champions Adelaide have snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming Queensland in a Super Netball top-four clash in Brisbane. The Thunderbirds moved to outright second on the competition table with a rousing 62-53 win over the Firebirds on Saturday, as all teams chase the unbeaten NSW Swifts. Suffering a third straight loss, the Firebirds remain in fourth with the remainder of the round to be completed. The loss capped a forgettable week for the Queensland side, who were back in the headlines with allegations by ex-player Remi Kamo of a toxic culture at the club resurfacing. Adelaide were missing star defender Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who announced her pregnancy last week, but goal defence Latanya Wilson stepped up with a stand-out performance. "We knew that we wanted this game and we did it for our skipper (Hannah Petty) as it was her 100th game," said Wilson, who was named player of the match. "I'm so proud of my own performance as I've known that there's been room for improvement but I'm humbled to go out there and try to do the best for the team in each game." The Firebirds got off to a strong start, racing to a 19-17 lead, with goal-shooter Mary Cholhok finding the ring for 11 goals. But Adelaide answered to dominate the second stanza to hold a 33-30 lead by halftime. Little split the teams in the third quarter, although the visitors were able to maintain their three-point buffer thanks to Romelda Aiken-George. The veteran sharpshooter finished the match with a haul of 34 goals from 46 attempts while goal attack Lauren Frew was on range, bagging a valuable 22 from 23. It had an immediate impact with Aiken-George and Lauren Frew scoring back-to-back goals for a 52-49 lead. With the margin blowing out to five goals, Firebirds coach Kiri Wills tried the same tactic but her side were unable to close the gap in the dying minutes. Cholhok finished with 35 goals from 47 attempts to lead their scoring while goal-keeper Isabelle Shearer was the star performer in defence. Reigning champions Adelaide have snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming Queensland in a Super Netball top-four clash in Brisbane. The Thunderbirds moved to outright second on the competition table with a rousing 62-53 win over the Firebirds on Saturday, as all teams chase the unbeaten NSW Swifts. Suffering a third straight loss, the Firebirds remain in fourth with the remainder of the round to be completed. The loss capped a forgettable week for the Queensland side, who were back in the headlines with allegations by ex-player Remi Kamo of a toxic culture at the club resurfacing. Adelaide were missing star defender Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who announced her pregnancy last week, but goal defence Latanya Wilson stepped up with a stand-out performance. "We knew that we wanted this game and we did it for our skipper (Hannah Petty) as it was her 100th game," said Wilson, who was named player of the match. "I'm so proud of my own performance as I've known that there's been room for improvement but I'm humbled to go out there and try to do the best for the team in each game." The Firebirds got off to a strong start, racing to a 19-17 lead, with goal-shooter Mary Cholhok finding the ring for 11 goals. But Adelaide answered to dominate the second stanza to hold a 33-30 lead by halftime. Little split the teams in the third quarter, although the visitors were able to maintain their three-point buffer thanks to Romelda Aiken-George. The veteran sharpshooter finished the match with a haul of 34 goals from 46 attempts while goal attack Lauren Frew was on range, bagging a valuable 22 from 23. It had an immediate impact with Aiken-George and Lauren Frew scoring back-to-back goals for a 52-49 lead. With the margin blowing out to five goals, Firebirds coach Kiri Wills tried the same tactic but her side were unable to close the gap in the dying minutes. Cholhok finished with 35 goals from 47 attempts to lead their scoring while goal-keeper Isabelle Shearer was the star performer in defence.
Perth Now
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Thunderbirds clip Firebirds' wings in Super showdown
Reigning champions Adelaide have snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming Queensland in a Super Netball top-four clash in Brisbane. The Thunderbirds moved to outright second on the competition table with a rousing 62-53 win over the Firebirds on Saturday, as all teams chase the unbeaten NSW Swifts. Suffering a third straight loss, the Firebirds remain in fourth with the remainder of the round to be completed. The loss capped a forgettable week for the Queensland side, who were back in the headlines with allegations by ex-player Remi Kamo of a toxic culture at the club resurfacing. Adelaide were missing star defender Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who announced her pregnancy last week, but goal defence Latanya Wilson stepped up with a stand-out performance. "We knew that we wanted this game and we did it for our skipper (Hannah Petty) as it was her 100th game," said Wilson, who was named player of the match. "I'm so proud of my own performance as I've known that there's been room for improvement but I'm humbled to go out there and try to do the best for the team in each game." The Firebirds got off to a strong start, racing to a 19-17 lead, with goal-shooter Mary Cholhok finding the ring for 11 goals. But Adelaide answered to dominate the second stanza to hold a 33-30 lead by halftime. Little split the teams in the third quarter, although the visitors were able to maintain their three-point buffer thanks to Romelda Aiken-George. The veteran sharpshooter finished the match with a haul of 34 goals from 46 attempts while goal attack Lauren Frew was on range, bagging a valuable 22 from 23. The Firebirds got back to within a goal with just over eight minutes left on the clock with Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst calling a timeout and imploring her team to continue to attack. It had an immediate impact with Aiken-George and Lauren Frew scoring back-to-back goals for a 52-49 lead. With the margin blowing out to five goals, Firebirds coach Kiri Wills tried the same tactic but her side were unable to close the gap in the dying minutes. Cholhok finished with 35 goals from 47 attempts to lead their scoring while goal-keeper Isabelle Shearer was the star performer in defence.
ABC News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Remi Kamo claims Queensland Firebirds investigation was mishandled
Independent investigators probing a formal complaint made about the Queensland Firebirds are being accused of not interviewing key witnesses, while another former player has told ABC Sport of similar distrust with the system. Remi Kamo and the Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA) released separate statements on Wednesday, voicing concerns about the potential mishandling of the investigation that followed Kamo's complaint about the culture at the Firebirds. In March, the investigation concluded, Photo shows A player hunches over with a hand across their mouth turning away from the camera Netball Australia has concluded its months-long investigation into the Queensland Firebirds, but the players' association is unhappy with the outcome. Since then, Netball Australia has refused to hand over the report, a summary or any details of its findings, citing a promise of confidentiality to those who took part. However, Kamo and ANPA have said key witnesses were not interviewed who they believe could have changed the outcome of the investigation. "It turns out that one can be simultaneously brave and naive," Kamo said. "Naive to think the fairness which the sport of netball teaches its players would extend to the way netball administration treats its players. "I believed all relevant witnesses to my complaint would be interviewed but they were not. Some people who saw and felt what I did were not even contacted, despite being available to help the investigation … People who, to this day, are ready to give evidence. Kamo plays for the Firebirds against the Mavericks. ( Getty Images: Albert Perez ) "I have repeatedly asked for further details of the investigation — a breakdown of the response to each allegation, whether the allegations had merit or not and on what basis. "I have received none of these details. Just platitudes and hollow assurances. "I also did not anticipate the whispering campaign against me. Apparently, I am vexatious, which is odd given this is the first time I have ever made a complaint. "I genuinely believed the bravery of the players would be met by a fair process. For these reasons, I reluctantly express no confidence in Netball Australia's response to my complaint." Netball Australia has been contacted for comment by ABC Sport. The defender was one of two players at the Firebirds not offered another Super Netball contract for this season, alongside Donnell Wallam. Both chose to move across the ditch and are about to start campaigns with the Stars and Mystics in the New Zealand Premiership this weekend. Aussie Diamonds shooter Donnell Wallam was also not re-contracted by the Firebirds. ( AAP: Matt Turner ) Last month, Kamo spoke with New Zealand media outlet Marae about her desire to find a more welcoming environment. "In 2023, the people who had spoken up weren't contracted the following year, so it felt like if you want to stand up for yourself or your teammates, then you're not welcome here. "I already knew that I didn't want to return there before they didn't contract me and I thought, I actually have nothing to lose. "I've spoken to so many people who have been through that environment, that would have liked to do that and didn't because they wanted to get another contract." Loading Instagram content Netball Queensland issued a statement off the back of this, where it reiterated the investigation's unsubstantiated findings and rejected claims Kamo made about club culture. "We acknowledge that communication to athletes not receiving a contract is difficult to receive … The Queensland Firebirds are off to a great start to this Super Netball season. We wish Remi the best for her inaugural season at the Stars," it said. In its own statement, ANPA on Wednesday said it believes the wider Super Netball playing group will be hesitant to report issues in future after watching Kamo be subjected to an unfair process. "ANPA commends Remi for the courage, care for others, and commitment to progress that she has shown by making a formal complaint to Netball Australia," the statement read. "Remi has taken a stand during a difficult period, and in doing so, is helping to drive important change for current and future players. "ANPA has raised concerns with Netball Australia over a number of months regarding aspects of the investigation process. While the investigation was conducted by a third party, this in itself does not guarantee procedural fairness. "We believe that key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed, including the investigator not confirming with Remi the specific allegations that would form the scope of the investigation, and the omission of interviews with some key witnesses named in Remi's complaint. "While we respect Netball Australia's responsibility to uphold confidentiality for all participants in the investigation, the allegations themselves are known to Remi and we believe it is both possible and appropriate to provide her with a clear summary of the findings without breaching those protections. "ANPA has formally requested an independent review of the investigation to assess whether the process met the required standards of fairness and rigour … Once the current matters are resolved, ANPA looks forward to working constructively with Netball Australia to review and strengthen its complaint-handling policies and processes." Kamo's repeated efforts to speak out But the defender says she aims to try and ensure the sport offers better support to the next generation of players in the Super Netball league. The Firebirds would love to move on from the dramas of last year. ( Getty: Glenn Hunt ) "My message to the netball administrators is this: Be brave enough to have the difficult conversation about how to improve your response to complaints and about how to prevent bullying in the first place. "Review your methods and behaviours just as the players do after every single game we play. Why? Because that's how you improve. "Make your investigations thorough by listening to all the people who wish to be heard and provide real protections for complainants so that it is safe for them to raise their voice. "To my fellow players at the Firebirds and across the sport of netball, for the support you have all given me — thank you. It means a lot. More than you know." Another player comes forward with concerns Kamo Speaking on the condition of anonymity, this player says they still have fears of being ostracised by their peers, years after they've retired. The Super Netball trophy on display on court before the grand final. ( Getty: Scott Barbour ) Watching Kamo's story unfold over the past eight months and the way she's been branded a troublemaker has compelled them to come forward with their story in solidarity. This athlete did play throughout the Super Netball era and said their relationship with their head coach in their final season left them feeling mentally broken. Originally, they approached Netball Australia with allegations of bullying, before their case was passed on to the state member organisation to organise an independent investigation. Unlike Kamo, the final report was shared with this player and ANPA. Even though a long list of mistreatment was detailed, the complaints were also deemed to be unsubstantiated. The failure of administrators to hold the coach accountable despite their behaviour being laid out on paper left the player with little faith in her club. Reflecting on that time, she told ABC Sport there were a lot of similarities between her experience and Kamo's. Although the outcome was less than desirable, the athlete said they felt positive that they were able to influence a change in policy. Now, any player complaint made against a club must be handled and investigated by Netball Australia. They thought about escalating the matter with Sport Integrity Australia, but said they felt so worn out by the whole ordeal that they decided to move on.
