UniSport Australia Indigenous Nationals is a week-long multisport competition for indigenous student athletes, with the aim of bringing together student athletes from universities across Australia.
UWA Western Waagyls will be travelling to Monash University, Clayton, Naarm (Melbourne) to compete in the 27th Indigenous Nationals on 26 June 2023.
The Indigenous Nationals provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talents and diverse cultures of Indigenous students from UWA, as well as those from universities and communities across Australia, it is also an event where First Nations participants can come together and connect with each other through sport.
The first event was attended by around 30 students and have since grown to host hundred of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tertiary students from universities all around Australia, Students compete in four core sport (touch, football, netball, basketball, volleyball) plus a traditional Indigenous game every year.
The Western Waagyls will carry the Waagyl (Rainbow Serpent) with pride, upholding a strong legacy of success, with an impressive history behind them, having won seven championships. Kahlie Lockyer has designed the 2023 Western Waagyls uniform artwork. The story behind the artwork represents the UWA Indigenous Nationals team and connection to land.
I have used the UWA colours with a touch of various colours to depict the Waagyl (Rainbow Serpent). I have portrayed the Indigenous nationals sport team in the gold and the Waagyl wrapping around them, providing protection and support in their games. I have placed this over a map of WA to represent where the team studies and travels from for the game. The blue background design is to signify the water that is important for many of the Aboriginal cultures that come together to compete in the Indigenous Nationals.
Kahlie Lockyer, designer of the 2023 Western Waagyls artwork
The Western Waagyls are captained by experienced leaders in a co-captain leadership dynamic. Taleah Ugle and Tex Garstone will lead the team to strive for excellence and seek success beyond the sport.
I am really excited to captain this team, the commitment to trainings in the lead up to the 2023 Indigenous Nationals has been amazing and we’ve just been able to connect and bond as a team. Western Waagyls have a history of success and I have no doubt that we can contribute to that legacy.
Tex Garstone (left) and Taleah Ugle (right) Co-Captains of the 2023 Western Waagyls team
UWA School of Indigenous Studies will be accompanying the team alongside UWA Sport support staff as the Waagyls embark on its quest for another championship.
Congratulations to all the selected athletes in the Western Waagyls team including the support staff.
Western Waagyls Team List:
Amos Smith
Courtney Jones
Hope Sortras
Jasper John
Jivaughn Coaby
Kaleb Bannon
Kirana Lockyer
Kyiah O’Donohue
Montanna Reidy
Rebeka Morrison
Sofie Gilmartin
Taleah Ugle (Captain)
Tex Garstone (Captain)
For more information on UniSport Indigenous Nationals, please visit UniSport Australia to get all the latest updates on fixtures and scores.