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Staff Writer

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards 2023: A Celebration of Stars



There has been a 20-year hiatus, but the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards are back and will be held in the ‘Olympic Room’ at the MCG on the 11th of November 2023 from 6:00 pm till 11:00 pm.


Uncle Colin Hunter, Wurundjeri elder, will perform the Welcome to Country. The event will be hosted by media personality Shelley Ware who will hold an intimate one on one conversation with special guest AFL legend, Eddie Betts. Throughout the night and award ceremonies guests will be entertained by Uncle Kutcha Edwards.


The organising committee involving Wayne Coolwell, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Shelley Ware, Jed Smith, Rick Baldwin and Rob Hyatt believe the night will provide an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes, coaches and organising committees around Australia.


This year being the first year, the judging panel along with the organising committee have helped nominate and select the award winners.


This year’s judging panel includes Olympians Nova Peris, Kyle Vanderkuyp, Koori Mail editor Darren Moncrieff, NRL Star Dean Widders, AFL legend Neville Jetta, Rugby Union legend Mark Ella and Jody Barney proud Deaf Aboriginal/South Sea Islander woman.


We will see nominations from grassroots sporting organisations to people who have graced the international stage, and this night will be a night for them to be celebrated and congratulated by their community.


This year we have included a trailblazer award to thank those who created space for those who play today and a Lifetime achievement award to pay tribute to those who have achieved above and beyond in their chosen sports.


Next year will be a different nomination process, we will be reaching out to community to nominate the awards winners. This will be an exciting development to look forward to.


‘These awards were last held in 2003 and it’s amazing that no other group has wanted to host them. As the chairperson of the National Indigenous Sports Foundation, it’s a great honour for me that I’ve convinced a number of people to help me in reestablishing this amazing night of celebration. Sport is absolutely central to the spiritual, social, cultural and physical wellbeing of First Nations people’. – Wayne Coolwell.


Tickets are only available via this link: Click here.

Seats can be purchased individually, or in groups or as a table of l0.

The ticket price includes food, drinks and a night full of pride, celebrations and entertainment.


Special thanks to the sponsors for this event:

Barpa Constructions, First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, AFL, No Limit Boxing Promotions, Art Yarramunua, Geelong Wathaurong Corporation, Pullman Melbourne on the Park, Accor, Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership, City of Melbourne, Vic Health, Confederation of Australian Sport, Melbourne Cricket Club, Australian Sports Museum, Dhudhuroa and Waywurru Nations Aboriginal Corporation.


For further information and to interview key people please contact:

Event Manager, Nathan Lovett-Murray

Indigenous Sports Network

43 Fletcher St Essendon Vic 3040

0448 423 799

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