Indigenous Nationals Returns to its Home for Historic 30th anniversary, as University of Newcastle Announced as 2026 Hosts

UniSport Australia is pleased to announce that the 30th anniversary of the Indigenous Nationals presented by bp Australia, will return to where it all began, with The University of Newcastle and The Wollotuka Institute confirmed as the hosts for the 2026 event.

The announcement marks a significant milestone in the history of the Indigenous Nationals, which first took place in 1996 as a student-led initiative at the Wollotuka Institute, University of Newcastle. Since then, the event has grown into a national celebration of culture, sport, and community, bringing together hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student-athletes from universities across the country.

UniSport CEO Mark Sinderberry welcomed the announcement, noting the importance of the 30th edition returning to its roots.

“Hosting the 30th Indigenous Nationals in Newcastle is both a celebration of the event’s origins and a testament to the leadership of the Wollotuka Institute and the University of Newcastle,” said Sinderberry. “This event has grown into one of the most significant celebrations of Indigenous culture in the university sector, and returning to where it began will be an incredibly powerful moment.”

“We’re really excited to welcome Indigenous Nationals back home to Newcastle and the Wollotuka Institute for the 30th anniversary,” said Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy and Leadership, Loren Collyer.  “We’re proud of the legacy of this event, and we can’t wait to host student-athletes from across the country for a week of competition, connection, and a big show of cultural pride and performance.”

The Indigenous Nationals is an annual multisport event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students, featuring competitions in Basketball, Netball, Touch Football, and Volleyball. The event fosters community, leadership, and wellbeing, with over 500 student-athletes participating each year.

First held in 1996 by 13 students in the Diploma of Aboriginal Studies (Community Recreation) at the University of Newcastle, the event has evolved into a national fixture that celebrates Indigenous identity and sporting excellence. We now host teams from more than 30 Australian universities and the events stature has grown from strength to strength each year.

UniSport Australia is the peak body for university sport in Australia, representing 41 member universities and more than one million students. UniSport delivers national intervarsity competitions and promotes student wellbeing, inclusion, and connection through sport and physical activity.

UniSport acknowledges the Awabakal and Worimi peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the 2026 event will take place.

For media enquiries, please contact: marketing@unisport.com.au