NRHSN at Goodooga Indigenous Games 2025
On the 6th and 7th of August 2025, representatives from the National Rural Health Student Network (NRHSN) travelled to Goodooga, a small yet mighty town located 75km north-west of Lightning Ridge in Far North NSW, to participate in the 16th annual Goodooga Indigenous Games.
Hosted by Goodooga Central School, the Games brought together over 700 students from Years 3 to 12 across NSW for a day of sport, connection, and shared culture. The event embraced the theme of ‘Bridging the Gap’, fostering meaningful connections between urban and rural, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, past and present, and young and old.
“You can’t be what you can’t see”
Our team hosted an interactive stall designed to show students what’s possible after school and to plant a seed of curiosity about tertiary study and careers in health. Hands-on activities consisting of auscultation of their own heart with stethoscope, dilation of each other’s pupils with neuro-torches; and matching the normal word to medical jargon. These interactive activities worked to promote the children’s health literacy and create a safe environment to discover how amazing health can be. Through casual yarns and the above activities, we aimed to offer representation – relatable role models whose experiences can inspire rural and Indigenous students to imagine futures where they too could become nurses, doctors, paramedics, midwives, or allied health professionals.
More than a Sports Day
The Goodooga Indigenous Games is far more than a sporting event. It is a celebration of culture, connection and community, acting as a reminder that health and wellbeing is grounded in culture, belonging, and shared purpose. The importance of these was evident in the quality of conversation we held with students, and the distances they travelled to attend the games. One teacher from a visiting school shared:
“Many of these kids don’t get the opportunity to go on school excursions
or play sport at higher levels.
So the Games are for them, and give them a chance to have some fun.”
Looking Ahead
Events like the Goodooga Games remind us why NRHSN exists. As we continue to support students and communities across Australia, we remain committed to building respectful partnerships, celebrating culture, and working towards health equity.
The NRHSN are grateful to have been part of the Goodooga Indigenous Games 2025, and we look forward to returning, reconnecting, and continuing to walk alongside this incredible community – one yarn, one game, and one future health professional at a time.
Sincerely and signing off,
Conor McEvoy – NRHSN Chair 2025,
Zachary Mortimer – Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Officer,
Luka Marshall – National Rural Outreach and Engagement Officer
