More than a game: celebrating the community spirit of the Koori Knockout

There’s nothing quite like the Koori Knockout.

Now celebrating its 4th year, the Koori Knockout has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most significant events on the NSW Aboriginal calendar. A four-day Rugby League tournament held on the first weekend in October, this year it was held on Worimi Country in Raymond Terrace. Last year’s winners, the Newcastle Yowies, host what many call the modern-day corroboree, such is its ability to attract communities from all over the country to compete, share culture and reconnect. Its scale may have changed, but its heart remains the same: community, culture, family and a shared love of footy.

For one weekend, footy brings communities together from across the state, with nearly 200 teams competing from more than 140 communities. But the Knockout is about much more than what happens on the field. It’s a joyful, positive and proudly community-controlled event, culture well-being and positive role modelling are what make this event more than just a sporting tournament.

It’s about family, culture, connection and belonging. It’s a weekend when families reconnect, when brothers or sisters, or dads and sons can run out on the same team, representing their community side by side. With a sprinkling of some first grade NRL players, some of the most promising stars of tomorrow and some weekend warriors, there is plenty of competition, of course, but there is also a real sense of pride, celebration and community.

That’s why I’m proud to be part of Optus’s support for the Koori Knockout again this year.

For me, the value goes well beyond branding. The Knockout is a live, visible proof point of our Reconciliation Action Plan and First Nations strategy; a community-led investment that builds trust, strengthens connection and contributes to culture and intergenerational wellbeing. It brings our brand strategy to life by showing that connection is about more than technology.

It also gives me the chance to build authentic connections with organisers, the Local Aboriginal Land Council and other corporate partners, speak with attendees, support digital safety and watch some of the best footy you’ll ever see.

Our Optus truck showed the games live and replayed some classic games from the past, and this year, our Optus Team focused on sharing our scams awareness and online safety messages with attendees. Of course our hugely popular activation, the personalised Knockout Footy Cards, which saw huge lines last year and were the hottest item to take home from the Knockout, were back for 2026.

Our Raymond Terrace Optus Store was part of the growing excitement all week with colouring competitions for the kids and tickets on offer for those who come into the store.
The Koori Knockout shows what can happen when sport, culture and community come together. It creates moments that people remember long after the final siren. The celebrations, the stories, the laughter and the feeling of being part of something bigger all underpinned by community pride.

I’m proud to be there again this year representing Optus and turning up in a way that community appreciates, proud to support the people who make the KKO what it is, and proud to help keep community spirit connected.