NAIDOC WEEK GALA DINNER,NAIDOC WEEK GALA DINNER

Indigenous Students vs Staff Soccer Match (28th March 2025)

The staff team claimed a narrow victory of 3-2 at the annual Indigenous Students vs Staff Soccer Match for 2025.

It was an incredible event filled with energy, teamwork, and camaraderie that brought together our Western Sydney University Indigenous students, staff, and community. We’d like to thank Dr Michelle Locke for providing us with a Welcome to Country, Aunty Fiona Towney for starting the game off with the ball toss, our Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams AO for giving up time from his busy diary and playing for the staff team, and our Provost Professor Kevin Dunn for refereeing the game.

Special mentions go to the team captains, Dr Sarah Kennedy for the staff team and Audree Campbell for the Indigenous students team, for their outstanding leadership. We also extend our gratitude to Scenic World for their generous donations towards the Lucky Door Prizes.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and cheered on the teams. 

Best & Fairest Staff Member: Peter Kallas

Best and Fairest Indigenous Student: Bonnie Zawetz

Indigenous Students vs Staff Basketball (22nd November 2024)

The 2024 Indigenous Staff vs Students Basketball match at the Hills Basketball Stadium was a friendly yet competitive match. We’d like to thank Elder in Residence, Aunty Jean South, for starting the game with the ball toss. With an amazing turn out of over 100 people, the day was filled with community, connection, and fun! The Indigenous student team, led by caption Ace de Vera, took home the victory with a win against the staff 59-48.

Best & Fairest Staff Member: Kristy Bell

Best and Fairest Student Team: Kayden Edwards

Indigenous Students vs Staff Soccer (19th April 2024)

Western enjoyed its fifth Indigenous Students v Staff Soccer Match with another strong showcase of connection and competition. The staff team, captained by Dr. Sarah Kennedy Wiradjuri academic, took an early lead, securing a victory for the staff team at 6-4 full time. Professor Kevin Dunn volunteered his time and expertise to referee the exciting game. As always, the event continues to attract an ever-growing number of spectators – family, friends and colleagues all in attendance to cheer. Captain of the student team, Dominic Smith, demonstrated outstanding skills, teamwork and leadership, earning Dominic the Best and Fairest Player. Both captains expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect through sport. Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Leadership, commended all the players and thanks all those who contributed to the event. 

Best and Fairest: Dominic Smith

Indigenous Students vs Staff Basketball (6th October 2023)

The inaugural Indigenous Students vs Staff Basketball Match at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre was a vibrant display of community spirit and sportsmanship. The game saw participation from various University members, including Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock, and Indigenous students from various disciplines. The students led narrowly at half-time and ultimately triumphed with a final score of 70-53. Andrew Webster, captain of the student team, highlighted the event's significance in building connections within the Indigenous community at Western Sydney University. Kristy Bell, captain of the staff team, praised the event and is looking forward to next year’s match. Professor Michelle Trudgett commended the spirited play and the University's commitment to Indigenous engagement.

Best and Fairest: Arzycki De Vera 

Indigenous Students vs Staff Soccer (24th March 2023)

Western's Indigenous students celebrated a commanding victory over staff members with a final score of 7-1 at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre. The student team, led by captain Kobi Newell, secured their lead early in the game. The staff team captain Josh Mason, alongside all participants, played with commendable spirit and pride, reinforcing the strong ties within Western's Indigenous networks. The event, applauded for its growing attendance and vibrant atmosphere, was also graced by Malcolm and Brooke from the GWS Giants, who contributed signed memorabilia for lucky door prizes.

Best and Fairest: Sarah Loft & James Whiting