CDU kicks off NAIDOC Week after victory at Indigenous Nationals

Celebrations for NAIDOC Week at Charles Darwin University (CDU) kicked off with a victory early this week, as First Nations students took home the trophy in the basketball final at the Indigenous Nationals games.

The CDU team went head-to-head with the University of Sydney, coming out on top with a 19-15 win.

CDU First Nations Student Support Officer Lucas Sharp said the team’s spirit and sporting skills throughout the games were “constantly inspiring”.

“After each game, our teamwork and friendly competition grew stronger,” Mr Sharp said.

“It was a very proud moment to witness and be a part of First Nations Success. Go CDU Roos!”

The week-long sporting event saw university students across Australia verse each other in basketball, netball, touch footy and volleyball at Monash University in Melbourne, with CDU finishing tenth overall out of 33 teams.

CDU First Nations Leadership Professor Reuben Bolt said it was remarkable to see the team's improved performance from last year, showcasing their dedication and hard work.

“We are so pleased to see our First Nations’ student team go from strength to strength at the Indigenous Nationals this year and bring home the Basketball trophy for CDU,” Professor Bolt said.

“It is a great result for our second-ever attendance at the games and such an important competition and networking event for our students on a national stage. We are very proud of them all.”

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Held from July 2 to July 9, NAIDOC Week acknowledges the history, culture and achievements of First Nations people.

In step with this year’s theme 'For our Elders', Larrakia Academic-in-Residence, Dr Aunty Bilawara Lee, was recognised as a finalist for the National NAIDOC Elder of the Year Award, for her tireless work to continue Larrakia people’s connection to country, culture, and ancestors.

NAIDOC celebrations run all week in Darwin with a range of events and activities.

For the first time, CDU will partner with Larrakia Nation to present the CDU NAIDOC Family Fun Day at the Pirates Rugby Union Club and Oval at the Casuarina campus.

The Family Fun Day is free to everyone with food, music and cultural performances on Thursday 6 July, from 10:30am to 2pm. It is open to the whole Darwin community to celebrate First Nations Australians during NAIDOC Week.

“CDU is proud to again sponsor Larrakia Nation for NAIDOC Week in Darwin and host important community events on campus to celebrate First Nations culture and success,” Professor Bolt said.

CDU’s Northern Institute will present a seminar titled 'Say YES for our Elders!' hosted by Yes23 NT Coordinator and Pathways to Politics graduate Georgie Corrie on Thursday 6 July, 10am to 11am.

To cap off the week, CDU First Nations Leadership team will lead staff and students in the Darwin NAIDOC March on Friday 7 July, with festivities starting from 7am at Herbert Street Park in the Darwin CBD.

CDU is an ongoing and proud sponsor of Larrakia Nation's official NAIDOC Week events, including the NAIDOC Gala Ball and Awards Ceremony.

For more information about the NAIDOC events in Darwin and Alice Springs, visit Larrakia Nation NAIDOC Calendar of Events, NAIDOC calendar of events, and NAIDOC Fun Run.