‘Absolutely appalled’: Donnell Wallam reveals shocking letter received following Hancock controversy

Indigenous netball icon Donnell Wallam has taken to Instagram to share a distressing letter laden with racism that was sent to her following the controversy surrounding the Hancock Prospecting logo.

The correspondence, authored by someone named ‘Mary’, accused Wallam, 30, of being “manipulated by radical Aboriginal filth,” deemed her “ignorant,” and described her actions as “disgraceful.”

The controversy erupted during a team discussion in October 2022 when Wallam, then yet to earn her first cap, expressed her concerns about donning the Hancock Prospecting logo, a significant sponsor of the Diamonds at the time.

This ultimately prompted Gina Rinehart to withdraw the sponsorship entirely, after which the Victorian Government intervened a week later.

The letter was intriguingly dated June 2024, indicating it arrived 18 months post-scandal.

“I am writing to express my sorrow that your actions have cost the Australian Diamonds $15 million, a loss attributed to your radically influenced remarks regarding Gina Rinehart’s father, Lang Hancock,” the letter began.

“Mr Hancock’s comments about the sterilisation of Aboriginal people were appalling and made by just one individual. At the time he expressed those views, his daughter had not yet been born, nor had you.”

“You have allowed yourself to be swayed by a nasty group of activist Aboriginal individuals who despise everything related to Australia. You have fallen under their influence and, as a result, caused a significant decline in donations to Australian Netball. You should feel ashamed for being manipulated by these so-called radical Aboriginal filth.”

“Mrs Rinehart generously contributed millions to Australian Netball, and your ignorance has led to that being wasted. Your actions are disgraceful and ill-considered, influenced by the radical Aboriginal left.”

“I attended school in Perth and had many wonderful Noongar friends who I still cherish today. You ought to be ashamed of your behaviour towards the Noongar community.”

“I will never watch you play again.”

The letter ended with a peculiar reference to the “British and European elders past and present,” seemingly mocking Welcome to Country ceremonies while paying homage to Captain Cook and Admiral Arthur Phillip for “establishing Australia’s first civilisation, which has since evolved into the most tolerant and generous society on the planet.”

Wallam expressed that she felt “deeply disgusted and hurt” by the letter.

“However, I will never cease to advocate for my people. Blak, Loud, and Proud. ALWAYS.”

“P.S.: Any of Mary’s Noongar friends who wish to come forward and claim their sister girl?”

On Thursday morning, Netball Australia released a statement commending Donnell for her bravery in speaking out.

“The entire netball community is firmly dedicated to inclusion and equality and stands alongside Donnell Wallam in condemning the vile racial abuse directed at our champion player by a member of the public,” the statement read.

“Donnell is a proud Noongar woman and an ambassador for all First Nations people and our sport. We admire her strength, courage, and dignity in the face of such abhorrent hate.”

The controversy ignited in October 2022, when Wallam, just about to embark on her first series with the Diamonds, raised her concerns regarding the Hancock Prospecting logo in a team meeting.

Her apprehensions arose from comments made by Rinehart’s father, Lang Hancock, in 1984, which suggested that Indigenous Australians should be sterilised to “breed themselves out.”

At that time, Netball Australia was struggling with a debt of around $7 million, and the four-year, $15 million sponsorship was considered a significant opportunity for the sport.

Ultimately, the scandal prompted Australia’s wealthiest woman to retract the sponsorship, leading the Victorian Government to intervene shortly after.

This weekend, the Super Netball competition will celebrate First Nations round.