The University of Newcastle (UoN) has delivered another stellar performance at the 2023 Indigenous Nationals, with Bailey Carney leading the charge.
While the local Wollotuka team ended its campaign just shy of an overall podium finish in Naarm, Melbourne, securing fourth spot from 33 rivals, several individuals returned home with a swag of accolades.
The week-long mixed sporting competition, hosted by Monash University, consisted of touch football, basketball, netball and volleyball.
The UoN group, comprising inspiring Indigenous pupils, made its mark in each of the sports.
However, the Wollotuka members also picked up multiple MVP trophies, a Spirit Award for sportsmanship and a bp scholarship.
Wirdajuri/Gomeroi man and current psychological science student Carney was presented one of only two $5,000 grants for the most promising Indigenous talent, following in the footsteps of Quincy Ross in 2022.
The bursary will support his academic and athletic endeavours.
Most Valuable Player (MVP) honours went to Wollotuka reps Natarni James (Worimi), getting the nod for netball, and Jackson Eckford (Budawang) for touch football.
Wiradjuri woman and Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science student Bindi Shaw was recognised for embodying the spirit of the games in touch football.
“The University of Newcastle is incredibly proud of their efforts,” Wollotuka Institute’s performance, policy and operations manage Shane James said.
“The group represented both their uni and their communities to the highest standard.
“To be recognised for their outstanding potential, their sportsmanship and also their overall performance is a testament to the excellence we continue to strive for.
“I’m more than thrilled that we made top five out of more than 30 universities across the country – and I can’t wait to see what we can do next year.”
National Indigenous Tertiary Education Student Games (NITESG) began in 1996 as a joint class project between 13 pupils enrolled in a Diploma of Aboriginal Studies (Community Recreation) at the then Wollotuka School for Aboriginal Studies, The University of Newcastle.
It has now grown into a major event on the scholastic calendar.
“Indigenous Nationals is an amazing environment to not only celebrate the rich sporting culture of Indigenous Australia but to also acknowledge the heritage and history of the participating student-athletes,” James said.
“The team has another campaign to look forward to in 2024 after it was announced next year’s competition will take place at Wollongong, hosted by the University of Wollongong.”
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