Koori Knockout Legacy Commemorated With State Heritage Plaque
Image: NSW government/supplied
The site of the first Koori Knockout has been memorialised with a blue plaque to celebrate the legacy of the grassroots sporting competition.
Community members from across Australia gathered at Camdenville Park in St Peters for the unveiling on Saturday, where the first Koori Rugby League Knockout was played more than fifty years ago.
The Koori Knockout is considered one of the biggest annual gatherings of Aboriginal people in Australia, drawing in spectators of more than 40,000 each October. The event continues to draw together communities from across the state to compete, connect and celebrate their shared culture.
The Knockout was founded by six young Indigenous men who wanted an opportunity to showcase Aboriginal sporting talent that had been overlooked by scouts.
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.
“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,” said Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe.
“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.”
Plaque program continues to promote local stories and history
The 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.
“I’m proud that Camdenville Park in my electorate now bears a permanent reminder of the first Koori Knockout – an event that continues to bring people together in a powerful show of unity and culture,” said Member Heffron, Ron Hoenig.
“This plaque is a reminder of how local places carry national stories. The Koori Knockout began here, but its legacy stretches far and wide. The addition of this plaque in the wonderfully upgraded Camdenville Park cements this important legacy for generations to come.”
The plaque was placed as part of the the $8.2 million upgrade to Camdenville Park, which includes a sports field upgrade with new irrigation, turf and sustainable LED floodlighting; a new playground with additional shaded sails, and a BMX pump track and little kids pump track.
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