Indigenous Nationals Heads To Townsville as James Cook University Announced as 2027 Host 

The next edition of UniSport Australia’s Indigenous Nationals presented by bp (Indigenous Nationals) will head to North Queensland in 2027, with James Cook University (JCU) announced as the host of one of Australian university sport’s most significant events. 

Hosted by JCU UniLife and the JCU Student Association, with support from Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF), the Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC) and the University, the event will bring hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from universities across Australia to Townsville in late June next year. The week-long event will include Opening and Closing ceremonies at James Cook University’s Bebegu Yumba Campus, with competition fixtures taking place on campus and at leading Townsville sports facilities. 

The announcement follows a memorable 2026 Indigenous Nationals, where The Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle welcomed students from across the country for a celebration of culture, community and competition. As the event prepares to celebrate its 30th edition, the focus now turns north to a region rich in First Nations history, culture and connection. 

Late June provides an ideal opportunity to showcase North Queensland, with Townsville’s mild winter climate creating outstanding conditions for both competition and the cultural program that sits at the heart of Indigenous Nationals. 

UniSport Australia CEO Mark Sinderberry said James Cook University was a fitting host as Indigenous Nationals entered its fourth decade. 

“Celebrating the 30th edition of Indigenous Nationals at a regional university is a significant milestone for the event,” Sinderberry said. 

“Regional universities play an important role in higher education and in strengthening opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Hosting Indigenous Nationals in Townsville provides a chance to celebrate those communities while showcasing the unique culture, environment and experiences that North Queensland has to offer. 

Every host leaves its own legacy on Indigenous Nationals. Following the outstanding event delivered by The Wollotuka Institute this year, we’re excited to work with James Cook University to continue building on that legacy and deliver a memorable celebration.” 

JCU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs welcomed the opportunity to host Indigenous Nationals 2027 in Townsville, highlighting the significance of the event for both the university and the wider community. 

“Hosting the Indigenous Nationals 2027 in Townsville is a big win for the city and JCU,” Professor Biggs said. 

“The games will provide a fantastic opportunity for JCU to showcase our amazing athletes and facilities, while also delivering a significant economic boost to Townsville. 

JCU has long been supportive of Indigenous excellence, whether that be in academic or sporting realms, and we proudly have the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library right here at our Bebegu Yumba Campus in Douglas. 

Hosting the Indigenous Nationals 2027 is another way JCU is supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to achieve their goals.” 

The opportunity also holds significance for JCU students, with JCU Student Association President Harrison O’Kane emphasising the role of Indigenous Nationals in celebrating culture, connection and the achievements of Indigenous student-athletes. 

“The Student Association is incredibly proud to see JCU chosen to host the 2027 UniSport Indigenous Nationals here in Townsville, on Wulgurukaba and Bindal Country. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the breadth of talent we have at JCU, while also upholding the Games’ deeper purpose of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, strengthening connections to Country, and promoting unity, health, fitness and wellbeing,” O’Kane said. 

Building on the importance of student connection and achievement, JCU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education and Strategy Professor Martin Nakata said hosting Indigenous Nationals aligned with the university’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. 

“JCU is very pleased to support Townsville hosting the Indigenous Nationals in 2027. It will be a significant occasion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students from across the country to come together through sport, competition and friendship. 

The Indigenous Nationals is an important celebration of student achievement, connection and aspiration. For JCU, this event sits alongside our broader commitment to seeing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students participate strongly in university life and succeed in the areas that matter to them, including study, sport, community and future careers.” 

The announcement was welcomed by Townsville Mayor Cr Nick Dametto, who spoke to the significance of bringing Indigenous Nationals to the city. 

“Hosting the 2027 Indigenous Nationals right here in Townsville is yet another demonstration of our growing reputation as a prime location for major sporting events,” Mayor Dametto said. 

“This is Australia’s premier university sporting event for Indigenous student-athletes, and the quality of competition is going to be extremely high. We can’t wait to welcome the athletes here next year and showcase our venues, community and the sporting action across the city.” 

The 2027 Indigenous Nationals will be held in Townsville in late June, with further event information to be released in the coming months.