The University of Western Australia to Host the 29th Indigenous Nationals in 2025

Perth, Australia – UniSport Australia (UniSport), in collaboration with UWA Sport and the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia (UWA), is proud to announce that UWA will host the 29th Indigenous Nationals, 23 – 27 June 2025.

UniSport acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar people as the traditional owners of Noongar Boodjar, the land on which UWA and its sporting facilities are located. The Whadjuk Noongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of this land. As we learn, play and celebrate on Noongar Boodjar, we are committed to creating a sporting environment that is inclusive to all.

Indigenous Nationals is a unique event that connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from universities across Australia through sport. This event not only promotes health, fitness, and well-being but also celebrates Indigenous culture and the positive role models within it.

Mark Sinderberry, Chief Executive Officer of UniSport, expressed his excitement about UWA being selected as the hosts for the 2025 Indigenous Nationals.

“I am excited to see Indigenous Nationals return to Western Australia for the first time since they hosted the extremely successful 2019 event,” Sinderberry said.

“UniSport is committed to creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between Indigenous students and their universities. Hosting the Indigenous Nationals at The University of Western Australia will provide a platform for celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Australia.”

The competition, held over four days, will see over 500 Indigenous student-athletes compete in Basketball, Netball, Touch Football, and Volleyball, all vying for the title of overall champion.

Jake Wilkins, General Manager of UWA Sport, emphasised the significance of hosting the event on Noongar Boodjar.

“UWA is honoured to be selected as the host for the Uni Sport 2025 Indigenous Nationals in Perth,” said Wilkins, “this is a significant event that not only showcases the incredible talent of Indigenous university athletes from across the country but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Whadjuk Noongar people on whose land this event will take place.”

“In collaboration with the UWA School of Indigenous Studies, we look forward to partnering with UniSport to create an inclusive and memorable experience for all participants, while providing our UWA Maaliwah athletes with the unique opportunity to compete and represent their culture in their home state.”

UniSport Australia also acknowledges the support of the broader Perth community, and the various stakeholders involved in bringing this event to Western Australia.

For more information on Indigenous Nationals, visit the UniSport website.

About Indigenous Nationals

The Indigenous Nationals, formerly known as the National Indigenous Tertiary Education Student Games (NITESG), began in 1996 as a collaborative project among 13 students enrolled in a Diploma of Aboriginal Studies (Community Recreation) at the Wollotuka School for Aboriginal Studies, The University of Newcastle.

Today, the Indigenous Nationals is a week-long multisport competition that brings together Indigenous student-athletes from universities across Australia. The event celebrates the rich sporting culture of Indigenous Australia while acknowledging the heritage and history of participating student-athletes.

Media Contact

Damian Murphy

General Manager – Marketing & Communications

Phone: 07 3054 4632

Email: marketing@unisport.com.au

About UniSport Australia

UniSport Australia (UniSport) is the peak body for university sport in Australia. Representing 43 universities and over one million students, UniSport aims to enhance the student experience through intervarsity competitions and strengthen the connection between students and their universities.