The University of New England is proud to stand alongside community as Silver Sponsor of the 2025 NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout, to be held in Tamworth from 3–6 October.
The sponsorship supports the Under 17 Women’s competition at this year’s Knockout, which is expected to be the largest in its 52-year history. The event will bring together 170 teams, more than 4000 Aboriginal players, and an estimated 10,000 spectators each day.
UNE will host a marquee at the event, providing a welcoming space for families, players, and visitors to connect with student ambassadors, staff, and community representatives. UNE’s Oorala Aboriginal Centre staff will highlight opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. UNE student ambassadors and Exercise and Sports Science staff will be on-site, and there will be giveaways, information and on-site activities
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Professor Peter Anderson said this reflects a genuine commitment to building strong community connections and supporting future learners.
The Knockout is one of the most significant sporting and cultural gatherings in Australia, and it’s an honour for UNE to be part of it for the first time in Tamworth.
“The Knockout is one of the most significant sporting and cultural gatherings in Australia, and it’s an honour for UNE to be part of it for the first time in Tamworth. By supporting the Under 17 Women’s competition, we’re celebrating intergenerational talent, community strength, and the future of Aboriginal women in sport and education. This sponsorship is about showing up with respect and consistency and building lasting relationships with communities we serve.”
Professor Anderson said UNE’s involvement is not only about visibility, but about meaningful engagement.
“We would like Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families to know UNE is a place where our peoples and our families belong and are respected. And our presence at the Knockout is a reflection of UNE’s values - commitment to culture, community, and education pathways that change lives.”
Our focus is on creating connections that last beyond the event.
Oorala Director Samantha Fowler said the Knockout is a unique opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal identity and strengthen relationships.
“The Knockout is more than a sporting carnival. Families travel from across the state to share pride, reconnect, and celebrate community and culture. Our focus is on creating connections that last beyond the event, and demonstrating our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, their families, and their communities.”
The Koori Knockout is expected to generate an economic boost of up to $15 million for Tamworth and will be broadcast nationally on NITV and SBS On Demand, reaching more than 500,000 viewers.
UNE’s sponsorship of the Knockout builds on its longstanding commitment to Indigenous education and cultural engagement, led through UNE’s Oorala Aboriginal Centre and partnerships across the region.
Through its community grants program, Oorala is also proud to support the Narwan Eels and Tamworth Crows - teams based in UNE communities that collaborate closely with Oorala and its programs - and wish them a great Knockout!
