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Each year, the Indigenous Nationals brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student-athletes from universities across Australia for a week of sport, culture and connection. This years event was held Perth on Whadjuk Noongar Country from June 23–27 June and featured four sports – basketball, netball, touch football and volleyball.
Deakin was proud to bring a strong team of students representing both Deakin and their mob, with support from the National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research and Innovation (NIKERI) Institute. NIKERI plays a vital role in enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to study on Country while staying connected to culture, community and identity. With their support, the team was well-prepared to take on Nationals.
The results spoke for themselves! Deakin finished 15th overall, improving three spots on last year.
Despite multiple injuries throughout the week, the team showcased true Deakin Dragons spirit — sticking together, improving each day and delivering standout performances. Among the standouts was Tommy Clarke, who was voted Most Valuable Player (MVP) by his teammates. We caught up with him to hear about his Nationals experience and what the week meant to him.
Tommy (pictured above right) is a proud Iwaidja, Arrernte and Kungarakan man. He is currently in his second year of a Bachelor of Education (Primary), studying through the NIKERI Institute. He went all in at this years Indigenous Nationals, representing Deakin across all four sports!
Named MVP by his teammates, Tommy described the recognition as ‘very humbling‘, crediting his success to the support around him. ‘None of it would’ve been possible without my team,‘ he said.
That team spirit was crucial, especially in a week marked by injuries and challenges. But Tommy says what kept them going was their mindset and connection.
"We had a “never give up” attitude and we were close off the field too. That energy carried into how we played. Every day, we got better." |
Some of Tommy’s most meaningful moments happened off the court, bonding with teammates and mob from across the country. ‘Those friendships will last forever,’ he said. On the court, it was all about having fun – ‘seeing everyone smile and enjoy themselves’ was highlight for Tommy.
The support of the NIKERI Institute was also a huge part of Tommy’s experience, both at Nationals and throughout his studies.
"NIKERI have been unreal throughout my uni journey. Their support in Perth – and the work they do behind the scenes – has been remarkable." |
Representing both Deakin and his mob on a national stage was a moment of deep significance. ‘To be able to represent my people at an event like this means everything,‘ Tommy said. ‘It was amazing to see so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people come together – celebrating culture, sport and each other.’
Tommy has a message for other Indigenous students at Deakin – ‘Throw your name out there! It’s a wonderful week of fun, sport and celebrating culture.’
If you’re interested in getting involved in sport at Deakin, check out what’s on offer through DUSA Sport.
Learn more about how the NIKERI Institute supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to study while staying connected to culture and community.
This article was originally published by Deakin Life. Reproduced with permission.
