THE PCYC Nations of Origin tournament, hosted in Port Stephens this year, was a wonderful success, with Indigenous nations across the state being represented at an impressive standard across three sports.

Rugby League, Futsal and Netball were contested on grounds around Port Stephens and Newcastle, in a competition that promotes students of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous descent working together, with a focus on the importance of taking their education seriously.

With a focus on four main areas, reconciliation, education, cultural identity and sport, Nations of Origin aims to increase school retention and positive interaction between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students with its entry requirements.

Each team representing at Nations of Origin must have a 70-30 split of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, who must all hold an attendance rate at school of 80 percent or more.

First on the program was the Netball comp, held at Raymond Terrace Netball Courts.
Tightly contested finals between Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri, Awabakal and Dunghutti saw Kamilaroi and Awabakal meet in the grand final.

Awabakal, a Newcastle based tribal area adjacent to Port Stephens Worimi people, walked away the proud winners on the day.

The Rugby League tournament saw three girls and three boys competitions run over two hard, fast days of league at Lakeside football fields.

The Girls Cup Grand Final saw Darug West defeat Awabakal 32-12, the Girls Trophy Grand Final saw Biripi defeat Bundjalung 22-8 and the Girls Plate Grand Final saw Kamilaroi North defeat Wiradjuri North 12-10.

The grand finals for boys Rugby League, and Girls and Boys Football 5s saw some fast paced, exciting competition.

The level of talent shown at these games makes you think that the spectators watching these matches could indeed be watching the future stars of tomorrow in their chosen sports.

PCYC CEO, Dominic Teakle told News Of The Area, “As a charity, it is always important to try and get our message of empowering youth out there.”

“Nations of Origin is a very special event, benefiting some of the most disadvantaged in our community.”

“It was inspiring to see the colour and commitment of the Indigenous youth and their positivity which bodes so well for the future,” he said.

 

 

By Rachael VAUGHAN