As part of the Asian Sports Partnership (ASP), an AUD$1.4 million (£760,000/$1.1 million/€960,000) initiative launched last month by the Australian Government, they are to receive AUD$200,000 (£110,000/$154,000/€137,000).

The money will be used to fund One Netball Asia. 

It will work with countries within the Asian Netball Federation to increase participation levels among women and girls in netball and contribute to health and leadership outcomes.

This scheme expands on the successful Australia Post One Netball community programme that has been delivered since 2016.

It also complements One Netball Pacific, an initiative under the Australian Government’s Pacific Sports Partnership programme.

The ASP was launched by Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop at Kirribilli House in Sydney today with Australia Post One Netball ambassador Mo’onia Gerrard, a former Australian Diamonds representative, among the sport stars in attendance.

“Netball is the world’s number one team sport for women,” Netball Australia chief executive Kate Palmer said. 

“This programme will allow Netball Australia and our partners to engage thousands of women in positive, supportive environments that provide the opportunity and encourage them to get active, build networks and practice their leadership skills.

“The community development team at Netball Australia has a wealth of experience in establishing high-quality, high-impact sport for development programmes and we’re excited to share this expertise with our closest neighbours.”

Australian Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander has also visited India to hold coaching clinics for young netballers as well as mentoring coaches in New Delhi.

She supported coaches on the Naz Goal project, which aims to transform the lives of girls and young women in India, through netball.