The Indigenous Nationals, jointly organised by UniSport Australia, is an annual week-long competition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student-athletes. The event celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, returning to the University of Newcastle, on the lands of the Awabakal and Worimi Peoples, where the first competition was held in 1996.
Eleven student-athletes represented Moondani Balluk and Victoria University this year, led by co-captains Grace Radcliffe and Adam Reed. The student-athletes were joined by Moondani Balluk team members Fiona Hale, Marcus Brooke, Shane Baker-l'Anson, Stella Rose Lay and Tia Lawrence for the week of cultural connection and sport.
Moondani Balluk first competed as a full squad last year, and has had student representation in combined teams since 2017.
Marcus Brooke said that the 30th anniversary was a chance to learn about how far the Nationals has come.
"Hearing from Elders and participants involved in the competition in its first iteration in 1996, seeing how proud they were to see the occasion grow from its early beginnings, into what it is today, was special."
Our talented students relished every opportunity to yarn with university students from across the country, make connections and network, through the platform of sport and healthy living.
"We also had a focus on high performance in this year's program, driven by Lee Bevan-Woodley, who is a Project Officer for Aboriginal Sport and Healthy Living at Moondani Balluk, and Head Coach for Victoria's First Nations Netball State Team. This year's program gives us a strong foundation to build towards more sustained representation and success at future Indigenous Nationals events, and we are grateful for Lee's contributions," Marcus said.
For law student Denzel James, the Indigenous Nationals "is a chance to collaborate, bring our cultural knowledge, and make an impact, together. My highlight is coming together as one, with other young mob from across the country, gaining their insights, celebrating with them."
Outdoor leadership student Ivy Duncan was also proud of the team's sporting performances in tightly contested matches:
"It was great to see how all our training has come together for our games, and see our team really pull off everything we've worked so hard for over these past couple of months."
The team also achieved third place in the Spirit of the Games Award, which is voted on by team managers, UniSport staff and officials. The Award recognises teams that consistently embodies the values of the Indigenous Nationals: community, culture, respect, and sportspersonship.
Four days of sport
The Moondani Balluk team shared reflections on each day of competition for the team - which involves a different sport each day.
Basketball
"Basketball was our first sport, and we came up against a strong group of teams. Throughout the day, the team stayed together, kept competing, and improved with every game. Not the results we wanted, but proud of the effort, growth, and connections made throughout the day."
Netball
"A great day of effort, intensity and determination from the team. Despite the challenging conditions, with wet outdoor courts and warm sunny weather, everyone continued to push through and compete with passion. All games were closely contested, but unfortunately fell short by a few points. The team gave their absolute best from start to finish."
Touch football
"Another tough day of competition in a strong pool. As a Victorian team, we knew touch football was not one of our strongest sports, but we showed great spirit, fought hard and gave everything on the field."
Volleyball
"A massive day for the team, securing our very first win of the tournament.
"Volleyball was one of our stronger sports this week, and the team showed exactly that with their effort, energy and determination. They worked incredibly hard to keep pushing right until the end, supporting each other through every point and every set.
"Proud of every single player and staff member and the heart they showed throughout the day."
Fiona Hale thanked the team for a stellar week of competition:
"I had the absolute pleasure of attending Indigenous Nationals with this awesome bunch. I am super proud of how you all represented your mob, VU and Moondani Balluk. Thank you for your incredible teamwork, support and the respect you showed both on and off the court."
Team list - 2026
- Grace Radcliffe - Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Psychology Studies
- Adam Read - Bachelor of Arts
Stella Rose Lay - Master of International Community Development
- Lee Bevan-Woodley - Bachelor of Sport Science (Human Movement)/Bachelor of Sport Management
Denzel James - Bachelor of Laws
- Myeesha Mohammed - Bachelor of Youth Work
- Jesse Nelson - Bachelor of Health Science
- Ivy Duncan - Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership
- Isaiah Cordwell - Bachelor of Psychological Studies
- Bailey Birch - Bachelor of Information Technology
- Logan Paterson - Bachelor of Sport Management/Bachelor of Business
