Koorie Club News
**WARNING: THIS NEWSLETTER CONTAINS SENSITIVE INFORMATION AND NAMES OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIED**
Nation Wide News
A new study has revealed alarming road safety figures, in the past 20 years, 320 Indigenous Australians have died on NSW roads, with more than 7,500 seriously injured. Published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, the research highlights the urgent need for community-led, culturally appropriate safety campaigns. Lead author Associate Professor Courtney Ryder said, “Community-led road safety initiatives are the key to turning this around.”
The study found that wearing seatbelts, holding a licence, and having passengers in the car were major protective factors, while higher speeds and rural crashes led to more severe injuries. The findings will help shape future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led road safety programs, ensuring prevention strategies are culturally relevant and community-driven.
The community is mourning the passing of Gunditjmara Elder Alby Clarke, a true champion for health, fitness, and reconciliation through sport, who passed away at age 90. After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in his 60s, Mr Clarke turned his life around, giving up alcohol and becoming an endurance athlete. He became the first Indigenous cyclist to complete the 275 km Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic, and later rode 3,000 km across the Nullarbor for reconciliation. At 80, he ran a marathon to celebrate his birthday. His lifelong dedication earned him a Victorian Senior of the Year award, Indigenous Honour Roll induction, and an Order of Australia Medal. His daughter, April Clarke, said:
“He told me how lonely it was to create a change in your life … but you can do it. So he rode and ran to freedom.”
A national treasure, Alby Clarke’s legacy lives on through the many lives he inspired.
The Paul Ramsay Foundation has announced a $780,000 investment to support First Peoples Leading, helping expand access to culturally grounded leadership programs nationwide. The funding will provide scholarships for First Nations participants across the organisation’s three programs, Next Gen, Impact, and Changemakers, covering up to 85% of program costs. Ben Ballard, CEO of First Peoples Leading, said: “Leadership development shouldn’t be a luxury, it’s key for creating positive change.” Since 2020, over 450 graduates have completed these programs, which blend cultural knowledge with leadership frameworks to strengthen communities and build self-determination. As Michelle Steele from the Paul Ramsay Foundation said, “When we invest in Indigenous leaders, we invest in stronger communities and more impactful organisations.”
Sports News
Borroloola’s first women’s soccer team in years, the Borroloola Strikers, is set to make history this month. The team of mostly under-18 players will travel to Dubbo (16–18 October) to compete at the First Nations Football Festival. Despite challenges like limited facilities and equipment, the Strikers have shown incredible determination and teamwork. They’ve trained hard every week, fundraising through car washes and raffles to make their dream trip happen. Supported by Gulf Youth and Community Service and a range of sponsors, the team will not only compete but also visit Endeavour Sports High School in Sydney to experience elite soccer training. Steve McAllan, General Manager of Gulf Youth and Community Service, said it best: “It’s more than just a game, it’s about building friendships, discovering strengths, and showing these young women what’s possible when community comes together.”
The whole Borroloola community stands proudly behind the Strikers, bound for glory and representing their home with pride.
The Imparja Cup returns to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) from 20–24 February 2026. Running for over 30 years, the carnival brings together hundreds of First Nations cricketers from across the country to play, connect, and celebrate culture on Arrernte Country. Founded in 1994, the Imparja Cup is now seen as the birthplace of the National Indigenous Cricket Championships. The event has grown into a key cultural and sporting celebration, honouring the Arrernte word Impatye, meaning “tracks of footprints.” Alice Springs Mayor Asta Hill said, “It’s a festival of cricket that celebrates sport, culture and community pride. We’re proud to sponsor such an iconic event.” Before the Cup, several regional tournaments – including the Barra Cup (Borroloola, Nov 7–9) and Nitmiluk Cup (Katherine, Nov 28–30) – will warm up players across the Territory.
Some of the biggest Indigenous AFL names recently starred at the VACSAL Statewide Football and Netball Carnival in Melbourne, one of the most star-studded editions yet! Fans were thrilled to see Bobby Hill, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Maurice Rioli, Tarryn Thomas, and AFL legend Eddie Betts pull on the boots once again. The carnival, hosted by the Victoria Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited (VACSAL), brought together hundreds of players from across the state. It was more than a sporting event, it was a celebration of culture, connection, and community pride in a culturally safe space. From footy to netball, the VACSAL Carnival remains a highlight on the Indigenous sporting calendar, uniting generations through sport.
Didge ya know?
The 28th of September is John Pat Day, a day honouring John Pat, a 16-year-old Yindjibarndi boy who died in police custody in Roebourne, WA, in 1983. His death sparked national outrage and became a turning point in calls for justice, leading to the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. John Pat Day reminds us to continue the fight for equality and accountability in the justice system.
On the 3rd of October in 1994, the Going Home Conference was held in Darwin, the first national gathering of Stolen Generations survivors. It gave survivors a voice to share their stories and call for justice, leading to greater recognition of the trauma caused by forced child removals and inspiring the Bringing Them Home Report (1997).
Rachel Aden (Koorie Group Leader) – ADE0010@sthelena.vic.edu.au
For any other support needed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples please visit: https://headspace.org.au/yarn-safe/
More stories & information: https://www.vacca.org/ https://nit.com.au/ https://www.news.com.au/