Excitement is building for the Koori Knockout to be held in Tamworth on the October long weekend, but a special moment today has acknowledged this history of the event.
The Koori Rugby League Knockout is being memorialised with a blue plaque in Sydney’s inner west, to celebrate the grassroots sporting competition. The plaque was unveiled today at the first Koori Knockout venue, Camdenville Park in St Peters, to recognise what is considered one of the biggest annual gatherings of Aboriginal people in Australia.
The Koori Knockout was formed by six young Indigenous men at Redfern’s Clifton Hotel, who wanted an opportunity to showcase Aboriginal sporting talent that had been overlooked by scouts. The founders – Victor Wright, Bob Smith, Bob Morgan, Bill Kennedy, Danny Rose and the late George Jackson – envisioned an event that was more than just a platform for football, but also a gathering of family, community and cultural pride.
The first Koori Knockout at Camdenville Park in 1971 brought together seven teams from across NSW: Koorie United, Redfern All Blacks, Kempsey, La Perouse, Walgett, Cowra and a combined Mt Druitt-South Coast side. It was a resounding success, setting the foundation for what has now become one of Australia’s most significant indigenous events.
More than 40,000 spectators attend each year. A record crowd is expected to descend on Tamworth from October 3 to 6 to see if Walgett can win for the third year in a row, and the first chance WAC has had to defend their title on Gamilaroi Country.
The blue plaque recognising the Knockout’s importance to the state’s heritage has been incorporated into the renovations of Camdenville Park. Aboriginal community members who were there for the tournament’s conception, have flown into Sydney from around Australia to attend the unveiling of the blue plaque, to remember why the competition was started and celebrate what it has become.
The Koori Knockout continues to serve as a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal heritage, drawing together communities from across the state to compete, connect and celebrate their shared culture.
“This is more than a tribute to a game of footy – it’s a celebration of the deep cultural connections, identity and resilience of Aboriginal communities across NSW,” Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said.
“The Koori Knockout is a living celebration and it’s great to see it formally recognised today.”
“The Koori Knockout is a proud legacy of Aboriginal leadership, determination and community spirit.
“It began as a grassroots initiative and has grown into one of the most significant cultural gatherings in the country. This plaque rightly honours that history.”
The popular Blue Plaque NSW program places round, blue plaques at sites across NSW to recognise and share the stories of individuals or moments in history. The installation of each new plaque brings added interest to the heritage of an area, encouraging locals to explore their backyards, and inviting those from further afield to learn more about the unique history of these communities.
For information about the Blue Plaques NSW program visit www.blueplaques.nsw.gov.au.
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