Indigenous women step up to the plate for annual Murri Women's Softball Tournament

Joseph Guenzler Published June 19, 2025 at 11.00am (AWST)

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Murri Women's Softball Tournament 2024 Division 2 winners, The Black Beauties. (Image: supplied)

The annual Murri Women's Softball Tournament is set to be held this weekend in Logan, bringing together 20 teams across five divisions to celebrate sport, culture and community.

Hosted by the Logan City Softball Association for the second consecutive year, the tournament has grown significantly since its debut in 2014, when just six teams took part.

The event is not structured through formal clubs.

Instead, teams are built around families, communities and friendships, many travelling from across the country to reconnect and compete.

Logan City Mustangs president David Hill welcomed players and supporters to the tournament while acknowledging its broader significance.

"This deadly event empowers women, unites communities, and celebrates culture both on and off the diamond," Mr Hill said.

"We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land and to all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and supporters joining us this weekend."

*Teams of the 2018 Murri Women's Softball Tournament opening. (Image: supplied)*

Among those participating is Waanyi and Kalkadoon woman Aunty Kylie Hill, who plays in the tournament and has also contributed hand-painted softballs for raffles and gifts.

"It's important to have these events to keep that connection and family bonds strong," Aunty Kylie said.

"We don't get to see each other much – only once a year – but it's the women who keep those connections with our families and it's been going strong for years.

"It makes me so proud to be able to play in this tournament with our strong black women."

*David and Kylie Hill at least years tournament. (Image: supplied)*

Aunty Kylie is also umpiring games alongside her husband and children, who are all actively involved in the tournament.

Kunja and Kooma woman and tournament ambassador Kelly McKellar-Nathan said the event strengthens family and community ties while providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

"Hosting a softball tournament is a significant undertaking and the time and effort it requires does not go unnoticed," Ms McKellar-Nathan said.

"I'm incredibly proud to be associated with this tournament."

The tournament schedule includes a kids zone, exhibition games, raffles and a livestream via InCameraLive's YouTube channel.

Finals across all divisions will be played Sunday afternoon.

More information is available via the Softball Queensland website.