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Tay-Leiha Clark

Advisor Our Connection To Country

NAIDOC WEEK 2026

Over 60,000 years of history, a culture rich with mystery.

This NAIDOC week is a chance to reflect on 50 Years of ‘Deadly’, and the legacy we protect.

Across the lands and waters, our connection remains, carried through generations, in our stories and names.

Through art and sport we tell our truth, what does being ‘Deadly’ mean to you?

BlakMail is shared across many Nations throughout Australia. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters and skies where our athletes, communities and sporting organisations live, train and compete. We honour Elders past and present, celebrate the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and recognise that connection to Country continues to guide, inspire and strengthen our journeys.

Welcome to the first edition of our newsletter, proudly presented by the NSW Institute of Sport. Launched in honour of NAIDOC Week, this publication aims to recognise, celebrate, and support the outstanding achievements and stories of our Indigenous athletes. Our mission is to foster a thriving community where culture and sporting excellence go hand-in-hand, inspiring the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent.

NAIDOC Week holds deep meaning for our community, it is a time for us to come together, honour our Elders, and celebrate our culture, and achievements.

This week reminds us of where we come from and the strength that runs through our ancestors and families.

It is a chance to reconnect, reflect on our journeys, and show pride in who we are.

For many of us, NAIDOC Week is not just about recognition but about unity, healing, and passing on our stories so the next generation can walk strong in their identity.

DEADLY MOMENTS

AOC RAP LAUNCH – It was a privilege to attend the launch of the Australian Olympic Committee’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan alongside athletes, community leaders and sporting organisations from across the country. The event celebrated the power of sport to drive reconciliation and reaffirmed a shared commitment to creating stronger relationships, meaningful opportunities and lasting change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Pictured (left to right): Athlete – Lakara Stallan, CTC Officer – Tay-Leiha Clark, NSWIS CEO & OLY – Kirsten Thomson, Athlete – Tomysha Clark
Athlete – Tomysha Clark, Athlete – Lakara Stallan, OLY – Cathy Freeman
BJ Oates, Tanisha Williams, Jamie Mcpherson, Tay-Leiha Clark
Athlete – Jordan Bliss, Athlete – Jamie-Lee Surha, Athlete – Lakara Stallan

FIRST NATION ATHLETES

Around Australia, First Nations athletes continue to excel at the highest levels of sport while proudly carrying their cultures, communities, and stories with them. Their achievements extend beyond results and podiums, serving as powerful examples of leadership, resilience, and representation for the next generation.

DEADLY DIARY – JACK DAVIS

Jack Davis continues to make his mark on the international stage after qualifying to represent Australia at the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Brisbane. Originally from Tamworth and now based in Florida, Jack continues to pursue his dream of becoming one of the world’s best BMX riders while proudly carrying his culture wherever he competes.

Sport: BMX Racing | Mob: Wiradjuri | Hometown: Tamworth, NSW | Based: Florida, USA | Institute: NSWIS

DEADLY DIARY – LAYLA SHARP

Layla Sharp is one of Australia’s exciting young Para athletics talents. A proud Biripi and Darug woman, Layla earned Australian selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after a breakout season that included breaking the Australian T38 long jump record. Through her performances on and off the track, she continues to inspire the next generation of First Nations athletes.

On Being a Role Model

“Being a role model to aspiring Indigenous athletes is something I’m incredibly proud of. Representation matters, because when young people see athletes who share their culture succeeding, it shows them that they belong too. I hope my journey encourages young Indigenous athletes to dream big, stay proud of who they are and believe they can achieve anything.”

Sport: Para Athletics | Mob: Biripi & Dharug | Hometown: Penrith, NSW | Institute: NSWIS

CONNECTION TO COUNTRY

Across Australia, every Institute of Sport now has a dedicated Connection to Country Officer. Together, this growing network is working to create culturally safe environments where First Nations athletes and staff feel seen, heard, supported, and connected. While each role is unique, all are united by a shared commitment to strengthening cultural connection within high performance sport.

Meet our First Nations CTC Network

Pictured – (left to right): VIS – Jamie McPherson
WAIS – Mariah Williams
QAS – BJ Oates
NSWIS – Tay-Leiha Clark

CONNECTION TO ACTION

VIS opens Australia’s first permanent High Performance Yarning Circle. The Victorian Institute of Sport recently celebrated the opening of Australia’s first permanent First Nations Yarning Circle within a high-performance sporting institute.

Led by Connection to Country Officer Jamie McPherson, the Yarning Circle was created on Bunurong Country as a place for ceremony, cultural learning, wellbeing and community connection. Inspired by the Yarning Circle introduced at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the permanent space reflects a growing commitment to embedding culture into everyday high-performance environments.

The opening brought together Bunurong Elders, VIS athletes and staff, alongside Olympic legends Cathy Freeman AC and Kyle Vander-Kuyp OLY, with current VIS athlete Tyson Mutsch representing the next generation of First Nations excellence.

Designed with seven boulders representing the Seven Sisters constellation in Bunurong sky knowledge, the Yarning Circle reminds us that Connection to Country is more than a moment, it is something that can be embedded into the places where athletes learn, train and thrive.
“Be proud of where you have come from and where you are going.”

Jamie McPherson Connection to Country Officer, Victorian Institute of Sport

UPCOMING NAIDOC EVENTS IN NSW

🦢 Spirit Series NAIDOC Celebration

10th of July 11am-1pm
11th of July 10am-12pm

Join the Black Swans for five days of NAIDOC celebrations featuring cultural activities, community engagement, sporting opportunities and educational experiences.

Location: 2 Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park

Get tickets here

🏉 GWS Giants AFL NAIDOC Game

Date – 11th of July 2026

Show your support by attending the Giants’ annual NAIDOC Round match, where First Nations culture is proudly showcased through special guernseys, ceremonies, storytelling and recognition of the significant contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to make to Australian Rules Football.

Location: 1 Olympic BLVD, Sydney Olympic Park