Hundreds gather on Yaegl country for 2026 Elders Olympics

Jarred Cross and Phoebe Blogg Updated March 13, 2026 - 2.46pm (AWST), first published at 1.30pm (AWST)

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Behind the scenes at the 2026 Elders Olympics. (Image: supplied)

More than 400 Aboriginal Elders from across NSW gathered on Yaegl Country in Yamba, NSW this week to compete in the 24th annual Elders Olympics.

Each year, teams from across the state gather to connect and take part in friendly competition with bragging rights, and hosting rights for the following year's event, on the line.

After Welcome and cultural ceremonies on Wednesday, Thursday morning kicked off with a banner parade and march ahead before competition began.

There were around 10 modified sport-like games and actives on the agenda; such as basketball shooting, footy passing, a hockey-inspired challenge and egg and spoon race.

*This week saw the NSW Aboriginal Land Council enter a team in the Elders Olympics for the first time. (Image: supplied)*

Speaking to National Indigenous Times earlier this year, 2026 event coordinator Noeline Kapeen said for Elders, the event is similar to a Koori Knockout, but focused on them.

Biirrinba Coastal Emus, from the state's Northern Rivers region, came away as winners from their first Elders Olympics in 2025, bringing the two-day contest to their Country.

Yaegl Elder and matriarch Aunty Lenore Parker acknowledged the 'gifts' Elders brought with them from their Country to Yamba speaking at Wednesday's opening ceremony.

"May it be a time of sharing and looking after one another. I am overwhelmed by seeing familiar faces from last year," Aunty Lenore said.

2026 saw the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), submitted its own team for the first time.

NSWALC chairperson, Cr Raymond Kelly, said the Elders Olympics is an important opportunity for cultural revitalisation and connection.

"The Aboriginal Elders Olympics is a fantastic event for the Community and our Elders. NSWALC was happy to be on Country at the event with everybody," he said.

"Bringing Elders together to represent their Community is very important.

"The Elders Olympics provides an opportunity to share Culture with each other and the Community."

*More than 400 people participated in this week's 24th Annual Aboriginal Elders Olympics. (Image: supplied)*

Cr Kelly likened said the gathering is a kind of "cultural revitalisation"

NSWALC deputy chairperson, Cr Leeanne Hampton, said the 2026 Aboriginal Elders Olympics is about connecting with Country and Culture.

"Our Elders are the heart and backbone of our Community. It's important for us to be together, to learn from each other and to reconnect," she said.

Following the day's competitions, West Lake Elders from Newcastle-Lake Macquarie were crowned champions and will now take on the rights to host next year's event.