Goorie Goannas honour 20 years of legacy at jersey presentation
Community news
Published 1 Jun, 2026 · 3 min
The University of Queensland’s Goorie Goannas have marked a major milestone, celebrating 20 years of participation in the Indigenous Nationals with a jersey presentation for the 2026 team at the Dr Mary Mahoney AO Amphitheatre. The event brought together students, alumni, staff and community members to formally present the current team ahead of this year’s competition in Newcastle, while reflecting on the legacy of those who have shaped the Goannas since its beginnings in 2006.
Proceedings opened with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Cheg, Elder-in-Residence at the Indigenous Futures Centre, grounding the event in culture and community, while reflecting on the importance of supporting and nurturing the next generation of Indigenous leaders through gatherings such as the Indigenous Nationals. This was followed by an address from Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement), who spoke to the continued growth and success of the Goorie Goannas over the past two decades.
Professor Bronwyn Fredericks addresses attendees in front of Indigenous Nationals flags representing the Goorie Goannas’ achievements over the years.
Standing before the Indigenous Nationals flags, the moment also acknowledged the team’s strong record of achievement, including gold medal performances in volleyball in 2019, netball in 2022, and a standout 2023 campaign that saw the Goannas take out both volleyball gold and the overall championship. The team also secured back‑to‑back volleyball titles in 2024, continuing that momentum and further cementing their legacy.
Karina Maxwell receives jersey number one, recognising her as Goorie Goanna #1.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the program’s origins, with Karina Maxwell, who helped establish UQ’s first Indigenous Nationals team in 2006, reflecting on her experience supporting the inaugural side. In a special moment, Maxwell was presented with a commemorative jersey bearing the number one, recognising her as Goorie Goanna #1 and honouring her foundational role in building the team.
The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of jerseys to the 2026 squad, each player stepping forward to receive their kit before assembling as a team in front of family, friends and supporters. The moment marked both the beginning of their journey to this year’s Indigenous Nationals and their place within a 20-year legacy.
UQ South Pacific Islander Association performers during a cultural showcase, reflecting the shared connection and community between Pasifika and Indigenous students at UQ.
The event also featured a cultural performance by the UQ South Pacific Islander Association, reflecting the strong and longstanding relationship between the Goorie Goannas and Pasifika student communities at UQ.
Over many years, the two groups have connected through both social and sporting events, including the Pasifika Varsity Games, where Goorie Goannas players have been welcomed to compete and engage in cultural exchange. These shared experiences continue to strengthen connections across communities, highlighting the role of sport as a platform for both competition and community-building.
Behind the scenes, the 2026 playing kits were brought to life in partnership with First Nations‑owned business Yilay, whose work helped translate the Goorie Goannas story into a strong and distinctive visual identity for the team. Head of Sporting Operations Hisanori Doi was pictured alongside Yilay representative Kirrily Phillips, who also brings a personal connection to the program as a former Goorie Goanna, reflecting the ongoing ties between past and present players.
Goorie Berrimpa's Head of Sporting Operations Hisanori Doi with Yilay’s Kirrily Phillips, a former Goorie Goanna (2015) who contributed to the design and production of the 2026 team kits.
As the Goorie Goannas prepare to compete, the jersey presentation marked more than a milestone. It reflected 20 years of community, leadership and connection, and the strength of the foundations built by those who came before. With the 2026 team now stepping forward, the legacy of the Goorie Goannas continues, carried by the next generation representing UQ at Indigenous Nationals.
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