Bond University has recorded its strongest performance in the history of the Indigenous Nationals which was held in Newcastle last week.
The University placed 10th overall from 31 universities - a remarkable improvement from 28th in 2025 - and the highest finish Bond has achieved at the annual multi-sport event for First Nations university students.
The campaign was headlined by a historic breakthrough in basketball, where Bond topped its pool to qualify for the finals for the first time in any sport ever before falling to the University of Sydney in the semi-final.
Across four days of competition, Bond also recorded strong performances in netball, touch football and volleyball, reflecting months of preparation that began at the start of Semester 1.
Club Sport Officer Rebecca Stower said the results only told part of the story.
"While we're incredibly proud of our best-ever competitive finish, the greatest success was seeing our students embrace the experience and the sense of community that developed throughout the year," Stower said.
"They represented Bond with professionalism, respect and pride, and the feedback from event organisers and other universities about our students was outstanding."
Preparation for Indigenous Nationals extended well beyond the competition itself, with students participating in regular training sessions, leadership activities and social competitions throughout the semester.
Those opportunities helped build friendships, confidence and a strong team culture before arriving at the event.
Students who attended the 2025 Indigenous Nationals campaign also played an important role in this year's success, with Isaac Maynard, Deklyn Reid, Tarren Boyce, Morgan Sexton and Harrison Reid helping recruit participants, lead training sessions and mentor teammates.
"Our returning students really drove the program this year," Stower said.
"They created genuine ownership among the group and inspired others to get involved. Watching students step into leadership roles and support one another was one of the most rewarding aspects of the campaign."
A key factor in the program's success was the strengthened partnership between Club Sport and Nyombil, Bond University's First Nations student support centre.
Throughout the semester, Nyombil provided students with a culturally safe space to meet, connect and build relationships, while also supporting Club Sport staff through cultural education and awareness initiatives.
Ms Stower said the collaboration had transformed the program.
"Working closely with Nyombil created an environment where students felt connected, supported and proud of who they are," she said.
"It showed what's possible when different areas of the University work together with a shared focus on student success."
"The impact of Indigenous Nationals extends well beyond sport," Stower said.
"It builds leadership, strengthens cultural identity, creates lifelong friendships and gives students a genuine sense of belonging. That's something we're incredibly proud to continue building for future generations of Bond students."
It’s been a significant few weeks for First Nations achievements at Bond University with two Bull Sharks netballers – Brooke Lacey and Jayden Molo - competing for the all-First Nations Black Swans at the inaugural International Spirit Series, held to coincide with NAIDOC Week.
The Black Swans capped an undefeated run through the pool stages of the competition with a comprehensive 62-28 win over Singapore in the weekend's final.
Stower, who doubles as Bond University Bull Sharks Sapphire Netball head coach when not immersed in Bond University club sport, was full of praise for both players.
“The girls are managing a very heavy playing and training load at this time of year but they definitely found something for the Black Swans.
“It’s a team they have a deep connection to and both girls performed extremely well.”
“I know they both feel incredibly proud to be a part of this squad and it’s a very special thing to witness their passionate connection to it.”
The week was capped by a strong Bull Sharks win by Stower’s Sapphire team in its Indigenous Round clash against crosstown rival Gold Coast Titans.
“To mark such a special day with such a committed team effort was the icing on the cake of an exceptional week,” Stower said.