Ken Wyatt (former Minister for Indigenous Australians -third from left) was keynote speaker at the Inaugural National Indigenous Sport Summit in 2017. Joined here by John Moriarty (first indigenous Socceroo – end left), Linda Burney (current Minister for Indigenous Australians – second from right) and Senator Don Farrell (then Shadow Minister for Sport – end right).

Introducing the National Indigenous Sports Foundation Ltd

Indigenous Australians continue to make a significant contribution to our nation’s sport at all levels and yet our voice is seldom heard.

The genesis of the National Indigenous Sports Foundation came in 2017 when stakeholders from throughout the nation gathered to confirm the need for an advocacy body that would take forward the important views and issues essential for the progress of indigenous sport.

In response the National Indigenous Sports Foundation has been created to inspire and facilitate opportunities for indigenous communities and individuals. The NISF will:  

• act as a national voice and health promotion advocate of the health and wellbeing benefits of sport and recreation representing ATSI communities throughout Australia; 

and to,

• encourage, create, promote and advance opportunities for improving health and wellbeing outcomes for indigenous communities and individuals through sport and recreation;

‘Sport has an important place in the lives of Indigenous Australians and is an essential link between a ‘healthy body and healthy mind,’ says the Hon Ken Wyatt, Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians.

Governance

The National Indigenous Sports Foundation Ltd was formally established in September 2020 as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. 

Leading this important work is the NISF Board Directors chaired by long-time advocate Wayne Coolwell, along with Olga Havnen (CEO Danila Dilba Health Service), Mick Albert (CEO Garnduwa WA), Tracy Barrell (former Paralympian), former Olympian Danny Morseu and Rob Bradley (CEO Confederation of Australian Sport). NISF Patrons are Marcia Ella-Duncan and Rob de Castella.

Broad Areas of Focus

The following broad areas of focus will be used to guide our work initially:

The NISF is committed to building on the work commenced through the inaugural ATSI National Indigenous Sports Summit  held in Melbourne in October 2017.

The story behind The Irukandjus – Surfing Australia

For more information please contact:

NISF Chair Wayne Coolwell or Rob Bradley: admin@nisf.org.au

Visit the NISF website by clicking here