We are raising funds to support my daughter, Lucy De Souza, as she prepares to represent Australia in the Australian Indigenous Schools Netball squad in 2026.

Lucy has been selected in the Australian Indigenous Under 15s team after strong performances at the Budgies Indigenous Junior Netball Carnival held at Nissan Arena in Brisbane. This opportunity includes representative tours to the Gold Coast, New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa which will provide invaluable international playing experience and personal development.

Both Mum and Dad care deeply about this opportunity because Lucy is a proud young Indigenous athlete who has worked tirelessly to reach this level. Netball has played a huge role in shaping her confidence, discipline and sense of belonging. Events like the Budgies Carnival don’t just showcase elite talent — they celebrate culture, community and connection, and Lucy takes great pride in representing her family, her community and Indigenous netball on a national stage. Being selected for the Australian Indigenous Schools squad at just 14 years old is a significant achievement and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The funds raised will go directly towards covering the significant costs associated with representative sport, including travel, accommodation, uniforms, competition fees and training expenses. We plan to make this happen through a combination of local fundraising, sponsorship requests, community support and grants such as this one. Every contribution helps reduce the financial burden and ensures Lucy can fully commit to the training and travel required to represent Australia.

Our family is deeply connected to the Port Stephens community, where Lucy has grown through grassroots netball, progressing from Medowie Netball Club to Port Stephens Netball Association, Norths Netball Club, and now onto state and national representation. Lucy is not only a dedicated athlete but also a positive role model for younger players, showing what is possible through hard work, cultural pride and community support.