Before the best emerging Indigenous netballers in the country come together with state and territory bragging rights on the line next month, Alkina Edwards has no trouble deciding on how to embrace the occasion.
A talented netballer in her own right, Ms Edwards has created the artwork for the second First Nations Tournament set to play out on Bunurong Country.
The event returns after last year's pilot tournament in Naarm.
It brings under 23 representative sides from each jurisdiction. Queensland, coach by former Diamond Sharon Finnan-White, earned the inaugural winners medal in September last year.
"I wanted to use colours that were calm and soothing because, to me, that's who we are as Indigenous people, we're nurturers, caregivers, healers," Ms Edwards said of her piece.
Titled 'Yapenyepuka', the Yorta Yorta artists' work represents the bringing of people from all parts of the country and different nations coming together in celebration of enduring Indigenous culture.
A gathering circle represents community, with a pathway winding through the centre expressing learning, understanding and legacy of First Nations leaders.
'Yapenyepuka' translates to 'together' in the Yorta Yorta language.
"Being someone who has been a part of the game, it's quite easy for me to depict what I wanted represented – which was coming together, celebrating, laughing, being a unit, being a team," Ms Edwards says.
"I hope when people first see this piece, they get an understanding of what it is – a time for us to be connected with one another."
Introducing 'Yapenyepuka – Together', the official 2025 First Nations Tournament artwork created by Yorta Yorta artist and netballer Alkina Edwards.
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Ms Edwards has a strong history designing local playing uniforms in netball and other sports, collaborations with brands and selling original canvas pieces.
She also created the 'Ganurra' artwork worn by the Australian Diamonds on their dresses in 2023.
It "means eveything", she said, to be a part of the First Nations Tournament.
"Coming from a lot of cultural connections, I'm able to do a lot of different styles and explain different storylines," Ms Edwards said.
"As I created the First Nations Tournament design it made me reflect about all my memories.
"Growing up I didn't get to see a lot of these opportunities, so being in a position where I can be able to have an input and be a part of these new changes for Indigenous people, I feel really empowered, and I feel excited for what the future holds because I know it's going to be bigger and better."
Netball Australia general manager, First Nations, Ali Tucker-Munro said Ms Edwards' artwork "captures everything this tournament represents".
"To see her story woven into the identity of the tournament is incredibly powerful. It is a reflection of how netball continues to elevate and honour First Nations voices in genuine and meaningful ways," Ms Tucker-Munro said.
The First Nations Tournament begins on Wednesday August 20 at Jubilee Park Stadium, Frankston, Melbourne.