Community celebrates recognition of Koori Knockout legacy with a Blue Plaque

The Koori Rugby League Knockout is being memorialised with a blue plaque in Sydney’s inner west, to celebrate the grassroots sporting competition.

The plaque will today be unveiled at the first Koori Knockout venue, Camdenville Park, St Peters, to recognise what is considered one of the biggest annual gatherings of Aboriginal people in Australia. More than 40,000 spectators attend each year.

The Koori Knockout was formed by six young Indigenous men at Redfern's Clifton Hotel, who wanted an opportunity to showcase Aboriginal sporting talent that had been overlooked by scouts. The 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.

The first Koori Knockout at Camdenville Park in 1971 brought together seven teams from across NSW: Koorie United, Redfern All Blacks, Kempsey, La Perouse, Walgett, Cowra and a combined Mt Druitt-South Coast side. It was a resounding success, setting the foundation for what has now become one of Australia’s most significant indigenous events.

The blue plaque recognising the Knockout’s importance to the state’s heritage has been incorporated into the renovations of Camdenville Park. Aboriginal community members who were there for the tournament’s conception, have flown into Sydney from around Australia to attend the unveiling of the blue plaque, to remember why the competition was started and celebrate what it has become.

The Koori Knockout continues to serve as a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal heritage, drawing together communities from across the state to compete, connect and celebrate their shared culture.

The popular 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.

For information about the Blue Plaques NSW program visit www.blueplaques.nsw.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe:

"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. The Koori Knockout is a living celebration and it’s great to see it formally recognised today.

"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."

Quote attributable to Member for Heffron, Minister Ron Hoenig:

"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.

"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.”

Quote attributable to Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen:

“I am so proud that we have, right here in the Inner West, a recognition by the NSW Government of the Koori Knockout and its enduring cultural and community legacy.

“For over 50 years, the Koori Knockout has been more than just a rugby league competition. It is a demonstration of the power of cultural connections and community determination, and this oval in the heart of our Inner West community has put into motion decades of increased access for Aboriginal players from all over our state, many of whom have gone on to represent NSW, QLD or Australia, and bring the game of rugby league to new heights.”