newy.com.au – The University of Newcastle has claimed the 2026 Indigenous Nationals championship for the third year in a row, winning the 30th anniversary edition of the event on home soil.
Competing as Team Wollotuka on Awabakal Country, the university topped the overall rankings after a week of mixed competition across basketball, netball, touch football and volleyball.
The Newcastle team finished first in basketball and netball, second in touch football and eighth in volleyball to secure the title ahead of the University of Sydney in second place and Monash University in third.
The result continues the university’s strong record at the Indigenous Nationals and capped a milestone year for the event, which brought student-athletes together for sport, community engagement and cultural experiences.
The host team was also recognised through individual awards across the sporting categories. Proud Kamilaroi woman Alkira Johnston, who is studying Medicine, received the Spirit Award for Touch Football.
The week closed with a private performance for student-athletes by King Stingray, the Australian rock band from north-east Arnhem Land.
The Indigenous Nationals will move to James Cook University in Townsville in 2027, with the boomerang passed on after Newcastle’s 30th anniversary hosting.
