2021 Indigenous Nationals confirmed

Posted 28th June 2020

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The Wollotuka Institute, The University of Newcastle and UniSport Australia are pleased to confirm the dates of the 25th Indigenous Nationals presented by bp as 20-24 June 2021.

The event which was postponed due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was due to commence this week in Newcastle, NSW and was anticipated to attract over 450 participants from universities around Australia in the week-long multisport competition. Whilst it is unfortunate the event could not proceed this year, the safety of students, staff, volunteers and the community are of paramount importance.

Shane James, Performance Policy & Operations Manager at The Wollotuka Institute shared the university’s eagerness for the event to return to its founding roots. “The Wollotuka Institute and The University of Newcastle are excited to welcome universities from across Australia to the traditional Aboriginal land of the Pambalong Clan of the Awabakal Nation to celebrate 25 years of this great event” James said.

bp will again present the 25th edition of the event in Newcastle next year. Sonia Harvey, Aboriginal Participation Advisor offered her wishes to participants.

“COVID-19 has certainly tested us all in ways we could never have imagined. I know so many of you were training so hard in preparation for the 2020 Indigenous Nationals presented by bp and we were looking forward to seeing you all compete at this year’s event; we can only imagine how much more amazing you will be in 2021!” Harvey said.

“However, regardless of the event being postponed, bp are proud to still be awarding two $5,000 scholarships to the most promising Indigenous student-athletes and look forward to announcing the winners in July”, she continued.

The event first began in 1996 as a joint class project between 13 students enrolled in a Diploma of Aboriginal Studies (Community Recreation) at the then Wollotuka School for Aboriginal Studies. The annual event brings together student-athletes from universities across Australia. It is expected that 32 teams will partake in the event next year, which includes competitions in mixed basketball, netball, touch football and volleyball.

Indigenous Nationals is an incredible environment to not only celebrate the rich sporting culture of Indigenous Australia but to also acknowledge the heritage and history of the participating student-athletes.

Keep up to date with event information as it becomes available here.