Recognising Community Impact
Port Adelaide Football Club’s Ebony Noack has been named AFL SportsReady’s 2025 First Nations Trainee of the Year. Taking home the National Warumilang Award in recognition of her exceptional contribution to community engagement and education.
I’m over the moon about winning.
It was such a surprise, I had no idea it was happening. But to be in the room with everyone who supported me throughout my traineeship made it really special. You don’t realise how many people are part of your journey until they’re all there together!
Proud Yankunytjatjara Woman, Ebony, completed her AFL SportsReady traineeship as the Community Programs Trainee at Port Adelaide Football Club. She quickly became an integral member of the Power Community Limited team.
Now, just a few years out of high school, she has moved into a full-time role as Community Programs Officer, continuing her passion for supporting young people and promoting First Nations programs.
Her journey into the traineeship began with a nudge from her mum.
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after school and wasn’t too keen on uni. My mum saw the opportunity and said, ‘You should apply.’ We sat down together and she helped me through it.
It was a full-circle moment when Christine Glenn, her now-supervisor and former Year 10 netball coach, sent her the traineeship link.
I was so nervous heading into the interview at AFL SportsReady, but I clicked straight away with Anzac, my First Nations Mentor and Craig, my Career Coach.
The vibe was chill, which was perfect for me.
Reflecting on her experience, Ebony says the traineeship was the ideal mix of her interests in sport and education.
Every day is different. I do admin work, head out to communities and deliver workshops.
It’s great to be involved in both the football and education.
She has played a key role in delivering First Nations education programs, including the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup, where she travelled across the state running workshops for Year 10–12 students.
Being close in age to the students helps. I teach in a way I would want to be taught. We connect.
Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Supervisor Christine Glenn shared high praise for Ebony’s dedication and professionalism.
Ebony has been an outstanding team member, showing reliability, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. She played a critical role in programs like the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup, Power SAASTA Connect Cup, and Respectful Relationships Education. Ebony’s ability to relate to young people and bring fresh ideas to our team has been invaluable.
Christine highlighted Ebony’s growth and leadership potential, particularly her confidence in asking questions, seeking feedback, and advocating for herself and others.
As a proud First Nations woman, Ebony has an incredible future ahead. I have no doubt she will step into leadership roles throughout her career.
From never having had a job before her traineeship to now working full-time at a professional football club, Ebony is proud of how far she’s come and grateful for the support she’s received along the way.
I still pinch myself sometimes.
Just getting a foot in the door was amazing. Chrissy has been such a supportive mentor, especially being away from home for the first time, learning how to live independently and managing full-time work with study.
With her infectious energy, genuine connection to community and drive to make a difference.
We’re so happy for Ebony and excited for what’s to come!
Since 2000, we have kick-started the careers of over 3,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Trainees.
The Warumilang Program is our dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program to assist First Nations peoples. With tailored employment and training pathways that aim to provide opportunities for First Nations peoples to thrive and be successful.
