The University of Newcastle and the Wollotuka Institute have proudly celebrated 30 Years of Indigenous Nationals, welcoming more than 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student-athletes from 31 universities across Australia for the milestone event.
Adding to the celebrations, the University of Newcastle claimed the overall championship title for the third consecutive year, securing a remarkable three-peat victory on home soil.
Created as a joint class project by 13 students undertaking a Diploma of Aboriginal Studies (Community Recreation) at the then Wollotuka School for Aboriginal Studies, Indigenous Nationals has grown into one of the country's most significant Indigenous university sporting and cultural gatherings.
The annual week-long event brought together student-athletes to compete across four sports – basketball, netball, touch football and volleyball – with one university team ultimately crowned Indigenous Nationals champions.
Beyond the competition, the games aim to unite students from across Australia, fostering connections, celebrating culture and creating lifelong friendships through sports and community.
Returning home for its 30th anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the event's remarkable legacy and the lasting impact it has had on generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students across the nation.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony showcased culture, connection and unity, highlighting the enduring legacy of Indigenous Nationals, its people and the stories that have stayed with generations of student-athletes.
Co-hosted on Awabakal Country by Pro-Vice Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership, Loren Collyer, a proud Bandjin women and Deputy Vice Chancellor Engagement and Equity, Nathan Towney, a proud Wiradjuri man, the ceremony reflected on the impacts and significance of the games, with their messages resonating strongly among those in attendance.
"Over the next week, you will create new stories, new memories, and new connections.You will represent your universities—but also your communities, your families, and yourselves. And as we celebrate 30 years of Indigenous Nationals, we are reminded that this event is not just about where we've been— it's about where the next 30 years will take all of you. You are now part of this legacy story and its future," Mrs Collyer said.
The ceremony paid tribute to the founding students of Indigenous Nationals, including a special video message from Aunty Trish that honoured the event's origins and growth over the past three decades.
Indigenous Nationals celebrates 30 years
Attendees also received a welcome from the University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, alongside video messages from Senator the Honourable Malarndirri McCarthy and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The Chair of the UniSport Board, Professor the Honourable Bill Shorten, officially welcomed competitors to the 2026 Indigenous Nationals before bp Australia announced the recipients of its Indigenous Nationals Scholarship.
Bp Australia's scholarships are awarded in supporting Indigenous student-athletes in pursuing their educational, personal and professional aspirations. This year's scholarships recipients included Guruji Wagner from the University of Melbourne, who is studying a Bachelor of Design, and Jessica Love from the University of Newcastle who is studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education.
Both recipients were recognised for their outstanding achievements in academia and sports, as well as their demonstrated leadership and commitment to creating positive change within their communities.
PM Anthony Albanese congratulations participants
GAME DAY 1 - Basketball
Kicking of the Nationals, students took to the courts for an exciting day of basketball. Exceptional talent was displayed throughout the tournament, with the University of Newcastle (Wollotuka) and Monash University emerging as the two standout teams, playing off in the grand final.
In a thrilling match that had spectators on the edge of their seats, the home side held its nerve and scored in the dying moments of the game to edge out Monash University 17–15 and claimed the basketball championship title.
GAME DAY 2 – Netball
Day two saw the competition shift to the netball courts, with students bringing plenty of energy and competitive spirits. After another impressive day of competition, the University of Newcastle once again earned a spot in the grand final, this time facing off against Murdoch University.
The home side continued its strong form, defeating the Western Australia-based team 16-6 and claiming its second championship title of the week.
GAME DAY 3 – Touch football
With consecutive titles already under its belt, the University of Newcastle entered the touch football day with a target on its back as teams looked to halt the home side's dominant run. The defending champions continued to impress throughout the day, producing a series of strong performances to secure a place in the grand final, yet again.
In a thrilling decider, however, the home team's winning streak came to an end, narrowly falling 5–4 to the University of Sydney in a hard-fought contest that went down to the wire.
GAME DAY 4 – Volleyball
The final day of the competition saw the focus shift to volleyball, with students leaving everything on the courts as teams battled for the final championship title of the week.
Despite the home team's best efforts, they were unable to progress further, with Monash University and University of Sydney emerging as the standout teams throughout the pool matches.
In a hard-fought contest, Monash University proved too strong, defeating University of Sydney 2-0 to claim the volleyball championship.
University of Newcastle's Indigenous Nationals player, Gomeroi and Wiradjuri man Leigth Carney
University of Newcastle's Indigenous Nationals team after winning the netball championship
University of Newcastle's Indigenous Nationals player, Wiradjuri woman Taya White
University of Newcastle's Indigenous Nationals player, Anaiwan women, Jess Love awarded the bp Australia Scholarship
Closing Ceremony
In closing, the 2026 Indigenous Nationals delivered an unforgettable week of fierce competition, cultural celebrations and community connection. Following four days of basketball, netball, touch football and volleyball, the University of Newcastle's Wollotuka team have been crowned overall Indigenous Nationals champions for the third consecutive year, continuing its impressive legacy in the competition.
In addition to walking away as 2026 Indigenous National champions, Kamilaroi women, Alkira Johnston, who studies Medicine also received the tournaments Spirit Award for touch football, following on her field display of sportsmanship.
To conclude the evening, players and officials were treated to a private performance by Australian rock-band from Northeast Arnhem Land, King Stingray.
University of Newcastle (Wollotuka) Team 1 placed 1st and Team 2 placed 24th overall
The University of Newcastle will continue to be leaders involved in this event as we pass the hosting boomerang onto James Cook University, Townsville for the 2027 games.
2026 Indigenous Nationals Ranking
- 1st – University of Newcastle
- 2nd – University of Sydney
- 3rd – Monash University
- 4th - Queensland University of Technology
- 5th - University of Queensland
