13 May, 2024
2024 is the Olympic year and we had our very own Olympics on Dunghutti Country with 406 Elders, accompanied by their family and staff members arriving to take part in the much anticipated and loved championship of championships.
The event in question was the 2024 Elders Olympics, which took place in Dunghutti Country and was hosted by Booroongen Djugun Limited Community Care Services at the Kempsey Racecourse. Elders from all over NSW travelled to the event to showcase their skills and contend against each other in a fun and energetic competition. With fierce competition and plenty of exercise, it was a great way to have a good laugh with friends and foe.
“We are on Dhungutti land and it’s a great day. We have all these activities going on with the Elders and they’re just loving it. I am so happy to be here as the Councillor for the Mid North Coast. Councillor Peter Smith, Mid North Coast Region, NSWALC.
The Elders’ Olympics event has been going strong since 2001 making this event the 23rd Olympics. Each year the winning team have the task to host and organise the next year’s event. This year the responsibility fell to the Booroongen Djugun Ltd Community Care Service in Kempsey. This shared experience enhances and strengthens Aboriginal Culture and puts the Community in touch with the important service providers that contribute to health and well-being.
The Elders Olympics is really important for the Elders. It’s about Country, Culture, Community. It gives them the opportunity to gather, connect and it promotes healthy living. It’s also about connecting our Elders with our younger generation and following in their leadership. It is the modern day Corroboree and over the last 23 years it is safe to say it has grown into one of the biggest cultural events in NSW” Kylie O’Bryan CEO Booroongen Djugun Limited.
Congratulation to the South Inverell Beareaters Team 2 for taking out the 2024 Elders Olympics. The baton has been passed on the winning team for the 2025 Elders Olympics in Anaiwan Country, Inverell.
NSWALC are proud sponsors of the Elders Olympics and congratulate all the Elders who participated, Booroongen Djugun Limited Community, the volunteers and people from Dhungutti Country and Kempsey, NSW.
The 30 teams competing for gold 2024 Elders Olympics were:
Abcare Dolphins, Coffs Harbour
Allira Wiradjuri Elders, Dubbo
Annecto Bunnies, Kempsey
Awabakal Elders, Cardiff, (Newcastle)
Baabayn Elders, Mount Druitt
Bahtobah Elders, Blacksmiths (Newcastle)
Bandaar Jumpers, Inverell
Biripi Elders, Taree
Booroongen Djugun Elders T1, Kempsey
Booroongen Djugun Elders T2, Kempsey
Bungree Elders, Tuggerah
Galambila, Coffs Harbour
GOCO Gunnedah Elders, Gunnedah
GOCO Forgotten Elders, Quirindi/Werris Creek Group
GWAHS T1, Mount Druitt
GWAHS T2, Mount Druitt
Team Indigeco, Karuah
Jagun Aged Care Elders, Moonee Beach
Manam Elders, Coffs Harbour
Mountain A Team, Uralla
Moree Elders Group, Moree
Piusx Moree Elders, Moree
South Inverell Beareaters T1, South Inverell
South Inverell Beareaters T2, South Inverell
KeepaKeepa & Walhallow Elders Group, Lake Macquarie (Newcastle and Quirindi
Waminda Elders, Nowra
Werin Warriors, Port Macquarie
Westlakes Elders, Lake Macquarie (Newcastle)
Worimi Wubaray T1, Port Stephens
Worimi Wubaray T2, Port Stephens