NSW Police officers have joined forces with school students from across Lake Illawarra for an expanded annual Gunji Origin Reconciliation Cup today, with double the number of teams competing.
Launched in 2022, the Gunji Origin Reconciliation Cup aims to bring the community together and help close the gap between the Indigenous community, non-indigenous community and police.
'Gunji' is short for the First Nations word 'Gunjibal', which was used in replacement of constable.
The Cup sees more than 150 school students competing against police officers in a mixed Oztag competition at CEC Glenholmes Oval, Lake Illawarra.
Students in Years 7 to 10 from Lake Illawarra, Oak Flats, Warilla, Dapto, Albion Park High Schools and a team from combined high schools will return this year.
Seven teams including Kanahooka, Illawarra Sports, Warrawong, Kiama, Shellharbour Anglican College, St Josephs Albion Park and Corpus Christi Oak Flats are competing for the first time. The students will play alongside Lake Illawarra Police District, NSW Police Youth Command and a community team to secure the Gunji Origin Reconciliation Cup title. Warilla High School is keen to defend its 2024 title.
Officers from POLAir will deliver the trophy, with assistance from Lake Illawarra Commander, Superintendent Craig Ireland and Lake Illawarra Police District Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer (ACLO), Glen Sutherland before the games begin.
The event was created by Lake Illawarra Police District ACLO Glen Sutherland to break down barriers and build connections with first nations communities and the broader community.
Lake Illawarra Police District Commander Superintendent Craig Ireland has welcomed the expansion of the event.
"This is a great community event, that not just the students but also our officers are excited to be involved in. To see the event more than double the number of teams competing this year, is really a testament to the strong relationships we've built with our local communities and also our local schools and community throwing its support behind the Cup," Supt Ireland said.
"This event is one of a number of initiatives, including our Commanders Active Citizens Program, where our police officers have the opportunity to engage with young people in a relaxed environment and continue to build that trust, break down those barriers and provide positive role models. We encourage members of the community to come down today, cheer on the players and support this great initiative."
The Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said events like this are central to good policing.
"Building lasting, positive relationships with young people – especially in our First Nations communities – is core to what it means to be a NSW Police officer and our officers excel at this," Minister Catley said.
"When young people see police officers as approachable and human, trust begins to grow and that's exactly what these initiatives are designed to achieve."
"We're fortunate to have police officers who go beyond the badge – getting into the community, showing up and building trust with young people. I thank them for the vital role they play in shaping safer, stronger relationships across our state."
The Gunji Origin Reconciliation Cup will run throughout the day.
