UniSport Australia Announces 29th Indigenous Nationals to be Hosted by UWA in 2025

UniSport Australia, in partnership with UWA Sport and the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia (UWA), has announce that UWA will host the 29th Indigenous Nationals from 8 to 12 July 2025. This event, which celebrates Indigenous culture through sport, returns to Western Australia for the first time since it was hosted there in 2019.

UWA hosts 2019 Indigenous Nationals

The Indigenous Nationals is a distinguished event that connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from universities across Australia, fostering a spirit of unity and celebration through competitive sports. It aims to promote health, fitness, and wellbeing while highlighting Indigenous culture and showcasing positive role models.

Mark Sinderberry, Chief Executive Officer of UniSport, expressed enthusiasm about UWA's selection as the host. “I am excited to see Indigenous Nationals return to Western Australia for the first time since they hosted the extremely successful 2019 event,” Sinderberry remarked.

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

The four-day competition will feature over 500 Indigenous student-athletes competing in Basketball, Netball, Touch Football, and Volleyball, all vying for the overall championship.

Jake Wilkins, General Manager of UWA Sport, emphasized the importance of holding the event on Noongar Boodjar, the traditional land of the Whadjuk Noongar people. “UWA is honoured to be selected as the host for the UniSport 2025 Indigenous Nationals in Perth,” Wilkins said.

“This event will not only showcase the incredible talent of Indigenous university athletes but also celebrate the cultural heritage of the Whadjuk Noongar people.”

Indigenous Nationals Welcome Ceremony (2019)

Formerly known as the National Indigenous Tertiary Education Student Games (NITESG), the Indigenous Nationals began in 1996. Initially a collaborative project among students at the Wollotuka School for Aboriginal Studies at The University of Newcastle, the event has grown into a week-long multisport competition that highlights the rich sporting culture of Indigenous Australia and acknowledges the heritage and history of participating student-athletes.

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