Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has been announced as the host of the 2022 Indigenous Nationals.
The Indigenous Nationals is a multi-sport event held annually by the 43 Australian universities and tertiary institutes, with only indigenous Australians allowed to compete.
It will be QUT’s first time hosting the Indigenous Nationals.
Established in 1996 by the Wollotuka Institute and the University of Newcastle, the event is now overseen by UniSport Australia, the governing body of university sport in Australia.
“UniSport is extremely pleased with the decision made for QUT to host Indigenous Nationals in 2022,” chief executive Mark Sinderberry said.
“QUT’s history as competitors at the event and commitment to sport for Indigenous students will create a high-quality sporting event prioritising health and wellbeing, and social connectedness within the community and amongst participants.”
Queensland University of Technology is in Brisbane, and will stage the 2022 Indigenous Nationals ©Getty Images
Gregory Egert, QUT Elder-in-residence, is excited for the celebration of culture that the event brings.
“As a Traditional Owner of the land on which QUT is situated, I look forward to welcoming everyone to my Country – the lands of the Turrabal and Yugara people,” Egert said.
“This event will present an opportunity for us to share and celebrate our culture together as Indigenous Australians from across the nation.”
The 2021 edition of the Indigenous Nationals marked the 25th anniversary of the tournament and was held from June 20 to 24 at the University of Newcastle.
It was contested in a mixed competition across four sports – touch football, which is a variant of rugby league, basketball, netball and volleyball.
Australian Catholic University (ACU) were the eventual champions after triumphs in netball and basketball saw them finish four points ahead of Macquarie University.
The last time the Indigenous Nationals took place in Queensland, in 2016, this year’s victors ACU played host.
