CDU students make their mark at Indigenous Nationals games

For the second year ever, a team of 14 talented and athletic Charles Darwin University (CDU) students have competed at the Indigenous Nationals games, in Melbourne.

First Nations students from universities across Australia versed each other in four core sports – touch football, netball, basketball, and volleyball.

Jaiden McGregor, a CDU student studying a Master of Emergency and Disaster Management, was excited to represent the Territory on a national level.

“It's a really great opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people studying at university to network and learn from their peers across the country," Mr McGregor said.

The team is called Dangudbila, the Larrakia word for Kangaroo.

Majority of the students are based in Darwin, and studying various courses including arts and law, health science, psychology, and social work.

CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership Professor Reuben Bolt said the sporting event was an inclusive and welcoming experience for First Nations students every year.

 "The Indigenous Nationals gives First Nations CDU students the chance to develop their teamwork, athletic and networking skills," Professor Bolt said.

 “It is a celebration of rich culture that promotes well-being and unity. Our students represent CDU with pride and have great sportsmanship and respect for each other and their opponents."

CDU Indigenous Nationals Coordinator Jeanette O'Brien said the CDU team have been training hard and improving their skills over the past few months.

“Our team are keen to go interstate and meet other First Nations students, even if they will be competing against them on the field. They get to really put their sporting abilities to the test and challenge themselves, but also build friendships and team spirit along the way.”