Tirkangkaku / Adelaide University farewells students for UniSport Indigenous Nationals
Published Tue 30 Jun 2026
Tirkangkaku / Adelaide University has farewelled its First Nations intervarsity squad at a pre-departure ceremony held on Wednesday 24 June.
The squad will travel to Awabakal and Worimi Country in Newcastle, New South Wales, to represent Adelaide University at the 2026 UniSport Indigenous Nationals.
Held across five days, UniSport Indigenous Nationals brings together First Nations students from universities across Australia for competition, culture and connection. 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the event, which has now grown to include 31 universities and become the largest intervarsity Indigenous sporting carnival in Australia.
Adelaide University’s team will compete in four sports - Basketball, Netball, Touch Football and Volleyball.
The squad was farewelled in a pre-departure ceremony held at Hoj Plaza and Pridham Hall on the City West Campus, where the team demonstrated an original spirit dance - to be performed at the event - alongside a live didgeridoo performance from Robert Taylor, Senior Kaurna Man and Cultural Custodian.
Adelaide University First Nations Ambassador Adam Goodes recorded a video for the squad, saying “What a great opportunity it is to represent the University, but most importantly to represent our community. Go up there and have a great time. Represent us proudly - win, lose or draw, we’re very proud of you.”
Leata Clarke, Manager Adelaide University First Nations Student Support, added “It is wonderful to see you representing vital communities, nations and the University on a national stage. Your participation reflects your commitment, talent, and the strength you bring on and off the field.”
Beyond the sporting competition, the squad will take part in a range of cultural experiences throughout the week. A key moment will be the spirit dance performance, as well as opportunities to connect with mob from communities and universities across Australia, and support local Indigenous-owned businesses at the Mob Markets.
For student captains Temaana Sanderson-Bromley and Tashani Wyatt, the competition represents an opportunity to lead their teammates, celebrate culture and establish a lasting First Nations sporting tradition at Adelaide University.
Sanderson-Bromley said, “Tashani and I have been really grateful with the team we’ve had this year, and really enjoyed seeing everyone build really strong connections. This event is about sport, but it’s equally about culture and sharing our culture. With Robert Taylor’s help, we’re able to share our dance and take a bit of our culture across to Newcastle.”
Wyatt added, “For me, these opportunities are great ways to create connections with other Aboriginal students around the country, to create opportunities, and to meet all different groups of people. It’s a highlight of my study year.”
The Tirkangkaku / Adelaide University Indigenous Nationals squad is a joint venture between Adelaide University First Nations Student Support and Adelaide University Sport and Fitness. Students are fully funded, and provided with a number of pre-event training and social opportunities.
Michelle Wilson, Adelaide University Sport and Fitness CEO, said “The support shown by our AU Volleyball, Touch Football, Basketball and Netball clubs has been outstanding and reflects the collaborative, inclusive sporting culture we are creating at Adelaide University. We look forward to seeing our students represent their communities and university with pride.”
“This event is about far more than just competition - it’s about culture, connection and community. We are incredibly proud to send the first team to represent the new Adelaide University and to build on the strong foundations established in previous years.”
Professor Jane Cys, Adelaide University Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor, added “I would like to acknowledge the staff from Sport at AU and First Nations for their commitment, collaboration and dedication that helped make this possible. I hope this is the first of many Adelaide University teams to compete at Indigenous Nationals.”
As the team prepares to depart for Newcastle, Tirkangkaku / Adelaide University will carry the pride of its community onto the national stage - competing with purpose, celebrating culture and building connections that extend far beyond the court and field.
