bp Australia Scholarships Recognise Excellence at the 2026 UniSport Indigenous Nationals Opening Ceremony 

The 2026 Indigenous Nationals presented by bp (Indigenous Nationals), officially commenced on Monday on Awabakal and Worimi land at the University of Newcastle and The Wollotuka Institute, where the Opening Ceremony celebrated the achievements of Indigenous student-athletes and saw the presentation of the 2026 bp Australia Scholarships. 

For the past eight years, the bp Australia Scholarships Program has helped create opportunities for Indigenous student-athletes to pursue their educational, personal and professional aspirations. Through a partnership between UniSport Australia and bp Australia, the program supports the next generation of Indigenous leaders by providing financial assistance alongside a tailored mentorship program that builds confidence, strengthens career readiness and fosters cultural identity. 

The 2026 scholarships were presented to Guruji Wagner (The University of Melbourne, Bachelor of Design) and Jessica Love (University of Newcastle, Bachelor of Secondary Education), two outstanding student-athletes recognised for their commitment to academic excellence, sport, leadership and creating positive change within their communities. 

UniSport Australia CEO Mark Sinderberry said the bp Australia Scholarships embody the spirit of the Indigenous Nationals, reflecting culture, pride and unity while recognising the achievements of Indigenous student-athletes. 

“Through the bp Scholarships, the leadership and drive of Indigenous students is brought to the forefront, with recipients demonstrating commitment to their studies while contributing meaningfully to their communities.” 

bp Australia Indigenous People Strategy Manager, Kieran Ryan, who presented the scholarships during the Opening Ceremony, acknowledged the significance of the program and its ongoing support for Indigenous university students.  

Scholarship recipient Guruji Wagner is a proud Yidinji man studying a Bachelor of Design (Mechanical Engineering Systems) at The University of Melbourne, focusing on using engineering to deliver practical, equitable outcomes, particularly for Indigenous communities. Growing up across two Indigenous communities has shaped his strong sense of resilience, community, and purpose, which underpins Guruji’s ambition to work in the energy sector in asset management and reliability engineering. He was also part of the Melbourne University Elite Athlete Program for Touch Football.   

Guruji shared that the scholarship would provide valuable support for his studies and professional development, helping him pursue opportunities to further his understanding of the global energy transition and contribute to more equitable outcomes for Indigenous communities. 

His fellow 2026 scholarship recipient Jessica Love is a proud Anaiwan woman studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education majoring in Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education with a second teaching area in Religion. She is passionate about inclusive education and improving student wellbeing, particularly in rural and diverse communities. Growing up in Katherine in the Northern Territory shaped Jessica’s resilience and strong work ethic, which now underpins her commitment to supporting young people from a range of backgrounds. Sport has been a key part of her development, with experience representing regional and state levels in netball and basketball. She has captained her UON team at Indigenous Nationals in basketball for the past two years, and last year, was named the tournament MVP. 

“This scholarship is motivation for me to keep pursuing service studies, and to know that the difference I am making in all my jobs and contributions to the community are being seen and felt throughout the wider community,” Jessica said about what receiving the 2026 bp Australia Scholarship meant to her.  

The recognition of Guruji and Jessica highlights the values at the heart of Indigenous Nationals, celebrating Indigenous students who are making meaningful contributions through leadership, education and service to their communities. 

Indigenous Nationals brings together university students from across the country to celebrate Indigenous culture and sport. Hosted by the University of Newcastle and The Wollotuka Institute, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the event, recognising three decades of culture, community and competition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. 

UniSport Australia congratulates Guruji Wagner and Jessica Love on this well-deserved recognition and acknowledges bp Australia’s commitment to creating opportunities for Indigenous students.