ACU all-rounders shine at Indigenous Nationals

Resilience, athleticism, teamwork, humour and pride combined to propel Australian Catholic University to another successful performance at the Indigenous Nationals in Perth.

The 15-strong ACU team recruited from the Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra campuses soared to second overall at the University of Western Australia, the fifth consecutive occasion the group has finished in the top two.

While the results, that included a third netball title in five years, were dazzling, it was the celebration of rich sporting culture and community that will be cherished most by the participants.

“These students are scattered across the country and band together for training two days before the nationals and should feel enormously proud of what they achieved,” ACU Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Kelly Humphrey said.

“Having walked together and dared to try they’ll return home with a sense of satisfaction, pile of fond memories and treasured friendships.”

The 29^th Indigenous Nationals presented an opportunity for the mixed team to tackle four different sports across four days of competition.

It was a punishing schedule, demanding all-round ability, endurance, skill and teamwork.

The highlight was another gold medal in netball after a 19-12 victory in the final against the University of Newcastle. Goal shooter Latifah Rogers earned the Most Valuable Player award for individual excellence across the tournament.

ACU reached the knockout stage in basketball and volleyball, and narrowly missed the tournament decider in touch football after losing to eventual champion University of Newcastle in their semi-final.

The team lauded the contribution made by Indigenous Student Success Program officer Leanne Long for whom it was her fifth Indigenous Nationals.

University of Newcastle was crowned the overall winner.

Media Contact: Damien Stannard, 0484 387349, damien.stannard@acu.edu.au