Our story
Built on culture, driven by excellence
Founded by Sharon Finnan-White OAM, FNAE brings together elite sport experience and a deep commitment to creating culturally safe opportunities for First Nations people.
Our founder
Sharon Finnan-White OAM
Founder, CEO and Director
A proud Dunghutti, Gumbaynggirr and Biripi woman, Sharon is Australian Netball Diamond #105 and one of only three Aboriginal women to represent the Australian Netball Diamonds. She represented Australia at the 1991 and 1999 Netball World Cups.
Sharon brings extensive experience in elite netball, coaching, leadership, governance and sports commentary. Through FNAE, she is building culturally safe pathways that support First Nations talent and develop the next generation of athletes and leaders.
Our vision
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people excelling in sport and in life, strong in identity, culture and community, with FNAE recognised as Australia's leading Indigenous-led high-performance sporting organisation.
Our mission
We deliver Indigenous-led, culturally safe sporting pathways from community to elite level, supported by education, health and wellbeing, leadership development and strong partnerships, so that athletes, coaches, umpires and officials can reach their potential on and off the sporting arena.
Our values
What guides everything we do
Culture
Culture, identity and connection to Country are embedded in every program, guided by Elders and cultural knowledge holders.
Sportsmanship
We compete hard and fairly, and show pride in how we represent our communities.
Commitment
We show up for our athletes, families and partners, and do what we say we will do.
Respect
We respect culture, each other, officials and opponents, and protect the safety of every participant.
Inclusivity
We remove barriers of cost, distance and discrimination so every First Nations participant can belong.
Our approach
Quality coaching. Strong relationships. Holistic support.
We combine quality coaching, strong relationships and holistic support to help participants build skills, confidence and connections. We work alongside families, communities and partners to make opportunities more accessible and support each person's development.
Meet the team
Our leadership
FNAE brings together people committed to strengthening opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants through sport, culture and community.
Board Directors
Our directors contribute to FNAE's strategic direction, governance and sustainable growth, keeping our purpose and community at the centre of decision-making.
Associate Members
Our Associate Members contribute valuable athlete, team and community perspectives. Their involvement helps shape our programs, strengthen participant representation and develop future leaders.