Port Stephens Council has welcomed the return of a highlight on the annual events calendar, PCYC Nations of Origin, after it was postponed in July due to bad weather.
Nearly 1,500 young people from across NSW are representing their Aboriginal Nation in the Nations of Origin tournament from 5 to 8 October 2022 in Raymond Terrace.
Participants are competing over 4 days in rugby league and netball locally and head to Lake Macquarie for the Football Five, then Newcastle for basketball and for the first time to Cessnock for gymnastics.
Mayor Ryan Palmer says he’s excited to welcome back Nations of Origin to Port Stephens after being postponed since 2019 due to COVID-19 and then flooding earlier this year.
“It’s fantastic to see Nations of Origin back in 2022, bigger and better than ever,” Mayor Palmer said.
“This is a unique event, bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people from across our state to compete, learn and make new friends.
“More than 20 nations are represented, including our Worimi people of Port Stephens. I’d like to welcome all participants to our beautiful Port Stephens and wish all the best of luck for the tournament,” he said.
PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle said Nations of Origin highlights cultural reconciliation, education, leadership and Indigenous pride.
“Over the past 7 years, the event has seen huge success. The last tournament that ran in 2019 saw the engagement of over 1,400 Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people from across NSW participating in the multi-faceted program,” Mr Teakle said.
“Teams representing their Aboriginal Nations participate in netball, rugby league and football fives tournaments.
“With 1,400 players and over 180 event and team volunteers, between the ages of 10 and 21, come together from across NSW to support the event.
“The event is only possible thanks to the support of over 300 volunteer supervisors, managers, coaches and trainers, who work with teams in the lead up to, and during the event,” he added.
Nations of Origin is supported by funding from the Australian Government, Port Stephens Council and Tournament Partners Red Energy, Snowy Hydro and Thomson Geer Lawyers.
