The NSW Department of Education has joined with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice as a naming rights sponsor for the 2023 Koori Knockout.

The Koori Knockout symbolises the resilience, pride, and unity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and underscores the link between sport and culture within these communities.

The 51st Koori Knockout will be hosted by the Newcastle All Blacks and start tomorrow and will run until Monday 2 October at the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex at Tuggerah.

It will feature more than 130 men’s and women’s teams in both junior and senior divisions.

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the Koori Knockout was a powerful opportunity to foster understanding, respect, and harmony among different cultural groups.

“We’re committed to actively engaging with the community to foster positive relationships through events like the Koori Knockout,” he said.

“Being culturally inclusive and providing a welcoming learning environment is a key part of helping our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people achieve their very best.

“We have deep respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and are dedicated to celebrating and preserving these unique heritages.”

The Department will have an information tent and staff available across the long weekend to provide Koori Knockout players and supporters with information about opportunities through education and training.

Staff from NSW Training Services will be available to talk about opportunities for trainees and apprentices looking to enter the workforce, improve their skills, or develop a new career path.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Programs team will be on hand to provide advice about employment opportunities across Education, in school and non-school based roles.

Families can also learn more about the Aboriginal Children’s Early Childhood Education Strategy, First Steps, as well as initiatives such as the Aboriginal Families as Teachers program and Aboriginal languages hubs.