JCU at Indigenous Nationals
UniSport caught up with James Cook University (JCU) after their recent …
National Indigenous Tertiary Education Student Games (NITESG) 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 University of Newcastle.
Now referred to as Indigenous Nationals, the event is a week-long multi-sport competition for indigenous student-athletes. The annual event aims to bring together student-athletes from universities across Australia to compete in a variety of sports and ultimately crown one university team the champion of the games. Indigenous Nationals is an amazing 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.
In 2026, the 30th Indigenous Nationals will be held from 29 June to 3 July at the University of Newcastle in Newcastle, NSW. The event will contested in a mixed competition across four sports: touch football, basketball, netball, and volleyball.
UniSport Australia respectfully acknowledges the Awabakal and Worimi Peoples; the traditional owners of the land on which the 2026 Indigenous Nationals will take place.
One week since Indigenous Nationals 2025… we miss you mob 🥺
Relive the week through our wrap up article at the link in bio 🔗✨
#IndigenousNationals @uwasport
We’re excited to announce that the 30th Anniversary of Indigenous Nationals, presented by @bp_plc Australia, will return to where it all began with @uni_newcastle and @thewollotukainstitute confirmed as hosts for 2026! 🌟
What started in 1996 as a student-led initiative at The Wollotuka Institute has grown into a national celebration of culture, community and sport, uniting hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student-athletes from across the country.
At the 2025 Closing Ceremony, University of Newcastle Co-Captain Leroy Reid, received the official host boomerang from Dougy Neilson of UWA’s School of Indigenous Studies, marking the handover of host duties for next year’s games.
We can’t wait to celebrate 30 years of Indigenous Nationals back on the land where it all began
🖤💛❤️💙💚🤍
Read the full announcement at the link in bio 🔗✨
#IndigenousNationals
2025 Spirit of the Sport Medallists 🌟
The Spirit of the Sport medals are awarded to the students who consistently embody the values of the sport and the Indigenous Nationals competition throughout the week.
Congratulations to the following students:
🏀 Brooklyn Broughman (ANU)
🏈 Jordan Williams (UTS)
🏅 Alkira Johnston (UON)
🏐 Alli Charles (MON)
#IndigenousNationals @uwasport
Couldn`t let the week slip by without a shout out to our 2025 Indigenous Nationals MVPs! 🔥
🏀 Jessica Love (UON)
🏈 CJ Booth (USYD)
🏅 Latifah Rogers (ACU) & Chad Buckman (UNSW)
🏐 Kelsey Doyle (QUT)
#IndigenousNationals @uwasport
3 Grand Final appearances. 2 Individual Sport Championships. Oh and back-to-back Indigenous Nationals Champions? Yeah @uni_newcastle did that 🔥
2025 Overall Results 🏆
🥇Basketball
🥇Touch Football
🥈Netball
🏅Volleyball (QF)
We look forward to bringing the competition to @thewollotukainstitute next year!
#IndigenousNationals @nusport.theforum @uwasport
Congratulations to our Spirit of the Games Champions, Edith Cowan University! 🏆✨
Nominated for the award by fellow University teams, @edithcowanuniversity truly championed the spirit of Indigenous Nationals through sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and participation!
Congratulations @ecu.sports 🌟
#IndigenousNationals @uwasport
Meet your 2025 Indigenous Nationals Volleyball Champions - Monash University 🏆✨
@monash_sport defeated @qutsport in two straight sets to claim the 2025 championship title!
Congratulations @monash_uni 🥇
#IndigenousNationals @william.cooper.institute @qut_indigiso @uwasport
Plenty of laughter and good vibes at @uwasport’s Deadly on the Mic Comedy Night! 🎤✨
Indigenous Nationals participants swapped the courts for @optusstadium’s stunning River Room for a night of culture, connection, and plenty of comedy.
➡️ More photos over on the Indigenous Nationals Facebook page!
📸 @dan.macbride
#IndigenousNationals
2025 Netball Champions - The Australian Catholic University! 🏆🔥
ACU defeated The University of Newcastle 19-12 in the grand final to claim this year’s championship!
Congratulations @acu.firstpeoples 🥇
#IndigenousNationals @acusport @acuimages
All sunshine and smiles at yesterday’s Indigenous Nationals Touch Football competition ☀️
➡️ More photos over on the Indigenous Nationals Facebook page.
📸 @sportsimageryau
#IndigenousNationals @uwasport @universitywa
| Document Name | Category | File Type | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| View | |||
Code of ConductA Code of Conduct template by Sport Australia for your club |
Club Toolkits, Member Templates |
DOCX 63.57 KB |
Download View |
Code of behaviourCode of behaviour policy |
Nationals Event Policies & Guidelines |
PDF 159.75 KB |
Download View |
Participant agreement – Indigenous NationalsIndigenous Nationals participant agreement policy |
Nationals Event Policies & Guidelines |
PDF 182.02 KB |
Download View |
| View |
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