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Curtin’s Kardas team is gearing up to represent with pride at this year’s Indigenous Nationals, starting next week at the University of Western Australia.
Last week, the team came together for a special cultural launch event, where spirits were high and the energy was strong. The Kardas – named after the Noongar word for goanna – received a heartfelt smoking ceremony from Uncle Nick Abraham, sending them off with strength, protection, and good luck ahead of the competition.
The Indigenous Nationals, formerly known as the National Indigenous Tertiary Education Student Games (NITESG), has a proud history dating back to 1996. What started as a class project at the University of Newcastle has since grown into one of the country’s most celebrated sporting events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students.
This year, the Kardas will be led by captains Rishaye Shaw and Santchiago Loberio.
Held annually, the week-long event brings together Indigenous student-athletes from universities across Australia to compete in a variety of sports. But it’s not just about competition – it’s about community, connection, and celebrating culture through sport.
For the Kardas, the nationals are a chance to showcase their skills, represent Curtin with pride and stand strong in culture and community. The team has a strong legacy, having previously taken home the volleyball championship in 2021 and they’re ready to give it their all again this year.
Wishing our Kardas the best of luck as they head into the 2025 Indigenous Nationals.
Let’s go Kardas! 💛🖤❤️
