Registrations are open for the 24th annual Aboriginal Elders Olympics, where more than 200 Aboriginal Elders from across NSW will take part in the 2026 event.
Set to take place in Yamba, NSW, the 2026 Aboriginal Elders Olympics will be hosted by the reigning champions, the Biirrinba Coastal Emu’s on Yaegl Country.
New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) is proud to support this event for another year through a Community Grant to assist with venue hire and event costs associated with the Olympics. For the first time, NSWALC Councillors will join forces and submit a team to take on the reigning champions.
The annual event will be held on Wednesday, 11 and Thursday, 12 March 2026 and give teams from across NSW the opportunity to claim the Aboriginal Elders Olympics title and host the 2027 event. Wednesday will provide an opportunity for a meet and greet with participants and a cultural tour of Yaegl Country.
NSWALC Chairperson, Cr Raymond Kelly, said NSWALC is proud to be supporting the event, which provides an important opportunity for Elders to come together and celebrate Culture, connection and Community.
“Elders are such an important part of our communities – their wisdom, strength and guidance continue to inspire us all,” said Cr Kelly.
“The Elders Olympics is a major event on our calendar and a wonderful way to celebrate their spirit and the role they play in keeping Culture strong.”
“I am looking forward to seeing our Elders come together on Yaegl Country next year.”
NSWALC Councillor for the North Coast Region, Diane Randall, was excited for the event to be held within her region and is proud to be involved again in the 2026 Aboriginal Elders Olympics.
“This year’s Aboriginal Elders Olympics will be an exciting time to connect with family, friends and meet new people. NSWALC is excited to be fielding our very first team and participating in such a wonderful event,” said Cr Randall.
Families and friends of Elders competing are encouraged to attend the event and cheer on their team.
The event will take place at Raymond Laurie Sports Centre, 78 Angourie Rd, Yamba. Registrations are now open and will close on Friday 30 January. Secure your team’s spot early by contacting Noeline Kapeen at kapeennoeline@gmail.com or visit https://alc.org.au/elders-olympics-2026/ for more information.
NSWALC is the State's peak representative body in Aboriginal Affairs and aims to protect the interests and further the aspirations of the 121 NSW Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the broader Aboriginal community. It was established in the 1970s to assist in the fight for land rights and was formally constituted as a statutory corporation under the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Rights Act in 1983. NSWALC is the largest member-based Aboriginal organisation in NSW.