QUT team to reach for the stars at 2026 Indigenous Nationals

Giovanni Torre Published June 26, 2026 at 4.10pm (AWST)

sport

QUT Indigenous Nationals team captains Chelsea Dodd and Kelsey Doyle (front) with team members. Back row - Mitch Gainsford, Sophie Crossman, Charlotte Van Gerwen, Xavier Blair, Shania White and Josh Croker. Middle row - Alex Loft, Grace DeBono, Talitha Saldanha and Thomas Croker. Image: Anthony Weate.

Sixteen student-athletes will represent QUT at the 2026 Indigenous Nationals in Newcastle next week, including seven students making their debut.

The Indigenous Nationals bring together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students from across Australia to compete in a range of sports while celebrating culture, connection and leadership.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the games, to be held from 29 June to 3 July at the University of Newcastle.

Athletes will compete in a mixed competition across four sports: touch football, basketball, netball, and volleyball.

QUT's squad includes students from diverse backgrounds, disciplines and sporting codes, united by a shared commitment to teamwork, excellence and representing the university with integrity.

About to compete at her tenth Nationals tour, team co-captain Chelsea Dodd, a Wulli Wulli & Wakka Wakka woman studying Exercise Sport Science, said being selected to represent QUT was both an honour and a responsibility.

"The Indigenous Nationals are about much more than sport. They are an opportunity to celebrate who we are, connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across the country and represent our communities with pride," she said.

"Our team is incredibly excited to head to Newcastle. We've built a strong sense of connection already, and we're looking forward to competing hard, supporting each other and making the most of this experience together."

Co-captain Kelsey Doyle, a Woppaburra and South Sea Islander man studying for a Master of Education, echoed Chelsea's sentiments, saying the event was a highlight of the university calendar for many Indigenous students.

"While we are expecting to be competitive on the court and the field, the friendships and networks you build at Indigenous Nationals last well beyond the competition," he said.

The event is also an opportunity for three podiatry students to gain 'work integrated learning' experience by joining the team in Newcastle and servicing all the athletes' podiatry and strapping requirements for the duration of the tournament.

*At QUT Indigenous Nationals team practice: Kelsey Doyle, Shania White, with ball, Sophie Crossman and Mitch Gainsford. Image: Anthony Weate.*

Rickie Dodd, Sport Officer, Indigenous Programs, said QUT was committed to supporting Indigenous student participation and celebrating the achievements of the squad.

"We are incredibly proud of this year's Indigenous Nationals team and the way these students represent QUT both on and off the field," he said.

"The Indigenous Nationals are a unique event celebrating sport, culture and community. They provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build connections and represent their communities and universities with pride."

The team has been training hard together in the lead-up to the competition, building strong bonds and preparing to compete against universities from across Australia.

QUT will be represented by: Xavier Blair, Sophie Crossman, Josh Croker, Thomas Croker, Grace DeBono, Chelsea Dodd (C), Kelsey Doyle (C), Nicholas Fenton, Mitch Gainsford, Alex Loft, Chicarnee Pickering, Talitha Saldanha, Charlotte Van Gerwen, Shania White, Anjelika Wittkop, and Wonie Yusia.