Whitehaven supports Aboriginal Elders Olympics

Whitehaven (ASX: WHC) was one of the major sponsors of the 2025 Aboriginal Elders Olympics which saw more than 400 Elders from across NSW participate in a series of games and social activities.

The event offers participants the opportunity to engage in social interaction, physical activity and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of unity and pride amongst Indigenous communities.

27 teams competed in a round-robin format with points tallied across a range of activities to determine the winners.

Hosted by the 2024 champion, the Inverell Bear Eaters, Elders groups from Gunnedah, Quirindi, Moree and Tamworth were among those represented. The day was an opportunity for Elders to socialise with old friends and family as well as establish new friendships within the wider community.

The Mclean Elders were crowned the 2025 Elders Olympics Champions and were presented with the winners’ trophy by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council Northern Region councillor Charles Lynch.

The presentation took place as part of a formal dinner enjoyed by all at the Inverell Town Hall.

Inverell Bear Eaters team member Joyce Livermore comments on the event.

“Congratulations to the Maclean Elders on their well-earned victory,” she said.

“And a big thank you to Whitehaven for their continued support for such an important event in the NSW Aboriginal community calendar.

“We’ll be back next year and look forward to competing to reclaim the title at the 2026 Elders Olympics.”

Whitehaven’s Indigenous engagement senior manager Bob Sutherland says that he was pleased to present the runners-up trophy to the Elders of the Booroogen Djugun.

“Elders play an important part in all our families and communities,” he said.

“It was great to see so many people and organisations like the Clontarf Foundation in attendance supporting their Elders and contributing to the overall success of the day.

“Whitehaven is proud to contribute to such a great event and we look forward continuing our partnership with the Inverell Bear Eaters Elders group in years to come.

“We’d like to extend a special thanks to the organising committee and the tireless effort from a wide range of volunteers, in particular Mandy Binge, Daniel Davis and Belinda Tully.”

Following their victory, the Maclean Elders will host next year’s Elder Olympics.

Whitehaven donated $250,000 to Indigenous organisations as part of their corporate community partnerships in FY24.