The University of Newcastle has capped a special homecoming of the UniSport Indigenous Nationals back where at it all began, celebrating 30 years since its founding with a few dozen students to now bring hundreds together for so much more than sport.

In 1996 a group of 13 students, the vast majority First Nations, at UoN's Wollotuka Institute were tasked with creating a national Indigenous tertiary students games as a class assessment.

Aunty Trish Neale was one of those first organisers.

She recounts how invites were sent by fax to every university around the country.

In the end, around 30 people took part in with teams from Wollotuka, Western Sydney University, University of New England and a sole student University of Canberra coming along.

"Competitive spirit was definitely there" in the beginning, Aunty Trish told National Indigenous Times, though teamwork and ring-ins were required, meaning teachers were roped in for a game and students filled in for each others' teams.

As best as she could think back, it was softball, netball and basketball played 30 years ago.

Initially, the agreement was that the winners would host the games the following year.

Western Sydney University made good on that promise, Aunty Trish said.

Now, a continuing rotation around the country determines the host.

"It took quite a bit of time. Everyone in the course had a specific role, whether it was to try to find funding, finding equipment to play with, finding referees and umpires. Money was the big thing, trying to find some money, but we had lots of volunteers." she said.

It was, she said thinking back, Aunty Trish's first high distinction for a university subject.

She's still a lecturer at Wollotuka.

These days, it's a very different annual gathering which has built off the legacy of its humble beginnings.

More than 500 students compete and connect at the Indigenous Nationals every year three decades on.

The University of Newcastle are very much still in the thick of it, claiming a three-peat as champions for 2026 crowned following the week-long calendar of volleyball, netball, basketball and touch football (touch rugby), as well as social events.

There's a lot more to head along away from the courts and fields, however, competitors said.

University of Queensland students Jennifer and Ava were on Awabakal and Worimi Country for their first and second Indigenous Nationals, respectively.

"It is amazing. I've loved seeing all the mob coming together, seeing our team come together and bonding. This is definitely going to be a cherished memory for me," Jennifer said.

Ava was most looking forward to making new connections her second time around.

"Last year was amazing. I get to see people I've met before, and we just vibe really hard," she said.

A number of schools said the camaraderie extended into the games.

For most of those coming from outside New South Wales, the ACT and Queensland, the touch footy on Thursday took a little bit of adjustment, but everyone looked after one another, set a supportive tone and helped out with the rules, a number of groups explained.

Drew and Annie from Adelaide University were both attending their first Nationals, saying it was a big, fun week which had gone quickly.

Annalise designed Macquarie University's uniforms for 2026.

"The jersey and artwork depicts that we've all come from somewhere and this (Walanga Muru, Macquarie's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Centre) is a great meeting place for us all," Annalise said.

Her teammate Chloe added: "It's been a great week. We've played lots of sport, met so many people... it's good to see everyone come together "

The games started with an opening ceremony on Monday, including a speech from former leader of the federal opposition and UniSport Australia chair Bill Shorten, with Northeast Arnhem Land rockers King Stingray helping to close out the week on Friday night.

Some attendees have been around a lot longer than others.

For Raymond Kelly Jr, his first Indigenous Nationals was spent on the sidelines watching his mum compete with Wollotuka.

30 years later, 'Bud', who followed in his mother's footsteps now working at Wollotuka, ran out again in 2026 as a playing student, having been a coach, mentor and helping hand over the years.

"I was just amazed by all the talent, it was just such a great event back then," he said of 1996.

He explained how the size of the events isn't all that has changed.

"One of the biggest things that I have noticed is the quality of the uniforms. I remember way back in those first days, there was people with no shirts, they'd get a texture and they'd write their numbers on. And now you look at some of these shirts and these costumes...it's been absolutely amazing."

Aunty Trish can still name all of the original founders.

She's got a black and white photo of the group, with one student missing.

"What it's grown to now is just so amazing," Aunty Trish.

She spent time thanking people for coming.

"One student said to me, 'This is my final year. I won't be able to come anymore. I've been here three years. I'll be finished uni, but I think I might come back and see if they'll let me coach', because he just loves it so much," Aunty Trish said.

The University of Newcastle were crowned champions for the third straight year, with the University of Sydney finishing runners up and Monash University in third.