When
Thursday 6 July to Saturday 21 October 2023
Over 30,000 spectators. Countless sporting heroes. One tournament. Take a front row seat in this major celebration of First Nations sporting excellence.
In 1971 at the Clifton Hotel in Redfern, six young First Nations men created what is today the largest gathering of First Nations peoples in NSW — known as the Koori Knockout.
In this exhibition, follow the competition from those early days played at Camdenville Oval, St Peters with just seven men’s teams in the first Knockout, to becoming a fixture in the First Nations calendar and the biggest rugby league knockout carnival anywhere in the world. Experience the excitement and joy of game days with the State Library's collection of photos and see the amazing talent that is showcased — from young rising stars to football legends like Greg Inglis. Join the celebrations as together with the Koori Knockout community we recognise and celebrate this important and enduring event in Australian sporting history.
This years round marks the 51st year the NSW Koori Rugby League Knockout has successfully been operating, making it the largest Aboriginal event in the country with over 130 teams attending and participating in the event across the long weekend in October every year.
A travelling exhibition from the State Library of NSW
This exhibition contains culturally important information, including the names and images of First Nations people who have passed. The Library has sought permission where possible from family members and descendants to include these stories and photographs. First Nations peoples’ country/language groups have been acknowledged where provided.
Exhibition Period: The exhibition opens on Thursday 6 July during NAIDOC Week in the Lovett Gallery on Level 2 of Newcastle City Library and will run until Saturday 21 October. Entry to the exhibition is free. The exhibition is open to the public during Local History Library hours.
Image: Newcastle All Blacks captain Randall Briggs holds the winner's trophy aloft, Apex Oval, Dubbo, New South Wales, 1 October 2018, by Barbara McGrady.
