More than 5,000 people are expected to converge on Raymond Terrace when it plays host to the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) Nations of Origin event from Tuesday 12 July to Thursday 14 July 2016.

Nations of Origin is a sporting, cultural, education and leadership program that coincides with National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week.

Teams will come together to battle it out in Rugby League 7s, Football 5s and Netball with a minimum membership of 70:30 Aboriginal to non-Aboriginal ratio, as part of an event that aims to engage young Aboriginals aged 13-16 years and target educational and community disengagement, truancy and improving relationships with young people across NSW.

Teams represent their respective communities under traditional local Aboriginal nation names, with uniforms adorned with totems of their Aboriginal nation.

In addition, all students are required to have an 80 per cent school attendance to be eligible to participate.

 “This is a fantastic event that brings our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community together, fostering reconciliation and a better cultural understanding amongst young people,” he said.

“Sport is a fantastic tool to encourage students to focus on leadership, their education and ultimately life after school and the ongoing success of this event is testament this is a winning formula.”

The event is also a significant economic injection for Port Stephens, with expectations it will bring more than $800,000 to the local economy.

“This is also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the capabilities of Raymond Terrace as a leading sporting event destination, with participants from as far inland as Broken Hill and Bourke,” Mr Wallis said.

“I have no doubt everyone who is involved in this event will enjoy their time in picturesque Port Stephens, and I wish all the participating teams the best of luck,” Mr Wallis said.

Nations of Origin will take place at a number of venues around the Port Stephens Local Government Area.

For more information visit https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/programs/nations-of-origin/