Nyiyaparli Cup, 2025

Over two days in early September, 30 young women from Years 8–10 came together in Newman for the second annual Nyiyaparli Cup. Organised and delivered by Shooting Stars, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (KNAC), and the Stars Foundation, the event provided opportunities to connect, celebrate culture and enjoy friendly competition on Nyiyaparli Country.

KNAC is the Registered Native Title Body Corporate for the Nyiyaparli People, the Traditional Owners of 36,684 square kilometres of land and waters in the East Pilbara, including the township of Newman. KNAC works with their community to represent and advance the interests of Nyiyaparli People and support opportunities that strengthen culture, connection and community. They have been supportive partners of the Shooting Stars program for the last three years, and the Nyiyaparli Cup is an initiative of that partnership.

Shooting Stars participants from Hedland travelled to Newman’s Pioneer Sporting Club where they got to meet other young women from Newman and Karratha. Across the two days, all participants took part in a netball carnival, a football session with the West Coast Eagles’ Youth Engagement Program Coordinator Brendon Daily, and activities designed to build confidence, wellbeing and connection.

Shooting Stars Program Assistant Keilani Edgar said the camp gave girls the chance to thrive outside of the school environment.

“It was great to see our girls meeting new people, making friends and coming out of their shells,” she said. “Camps like this create opportunities for personal growth and connection, and it’s special to see them engage with Nyiyaparli Country and learn more about KNAC.”

The event began with a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country from a local participant from Newman, setting the tone for two enriching days of sport, cultural connection and friendship.

KNAC CEO Cate Ballantyne said working together to bring young people together on Country was a priority.

“We work to take care of our people, our country and the people on our country. Connecting young Marlpa on Nyiyaparli country is key to community wellbeing and we value to partnership that help make that happen” she said.

Shooting Stars Executive Officer Helen Ockerby said the partnership with KNAC reflected the program’s place-based, community-led approach.

“Shooting Stars exists to support and strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls, women and their communities,” she said. “Working together with Aboriginal Corporations close to our sites ensures the program reflects local priorities. KNAC does incredible work, including their Nyiyaparli Living Language Project, and it’s exciting to see young people introduced to these initiatives.”

As part of the Carnival, participants received gift bags from KNAC with information about the Nyiyaparli Living Language Project and its interactive game app, Nyiyaparli Widi. The app, which brings Nyiyaparli language into everyday life, was recently named a finalist in the 2025 Australian Game Developer Awards in categories for Excellence in Mobile and Excellence in Impact.

The Carnival reflects a shared commitment between KNAC, Shooting Stars and the community, to empower young Aboriginal women, strengthen cultural identity and create opportunities for leadership and success in the Pilbara.