Cricket Australia’s decision to hold the 2025 National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) in Mackay marks an exciting shift for this annual event, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent in cricket. This year’s tournament, set to unfold from April 2 to April 7, will be held on Yuwibara Country, with matches scheduled at the Great Barrier Reef Arena and Harrup Park – two venues that have recently hosted international cricket fixtures, solidifying Mackay’s growing reputation on the Australian cricket circuit.
Moving the Championships from its eight-year home in Alice Springs to Mackay aligns with Cricket Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan. The shift is a testament to CA’s commitment to building sustainable pathways and opportunities for Indigenous players across Australia. Queensland Cricket has been a supportive force behind this transition, further enhancing its own Reconciliation Action Plan while fostering Indigenous cricket initiatives across Queensland, from the Eddie Gilbert Program to tournaments like the Western Rivers Cup in Toowoomba and the Phillip Minniecon Cup in Cairns.
The change of venue for NICC comes as a result of collaboration among Cricket Australia, NT Cricket, and Cricket Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cricket Advisory Group. The move is also a response to feedback from players who expressed interest in connecting with different regions, cultures, and communities. Queensland Cricket, the Mackay Regional Council, and the Queensland Government have shown immense support for this transition, ensuring that Mackay’s cricket scene is ready to embrace the NICC and Indigenous cricket’s unique spirit.
Cricket Australia extended its appreciation to NT Cricket, the Imparja Cup community, and the Alice Springs cricketing network, who have collectively hosted the NICC for almost a decade. The Imparja Cup itself, an institution in Indigenous cricket, will continue as the country’s biggest celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricket, maintaining its integral role alongside the NICC. For many, this shift to Mackay brings with it the promise of new cultural connections and fresh competition while keeping Alice Springs’ cricket heritage close at hand.
CommBank remains a proud supporter of the NICC, fostering inclusion and diversity through Cricket Australia’s ‘A Sport for All’ initiative. The Melbourne Cricket Club Foundation has also joined as an official Inclusion Partner, reinforcing the tournament’s mission to champion diversity and ensure a welcoming environment for all players and fans alike.
This year’s NICC promises a blend of spirited competition, cultural pride, and fresh connections, all taking place in the heart of Queensland. With the foundations laid in Alice Springs, Mackay is set to step up as the next chapter in Indigenous cricket unfolds.
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