Have a yarn with DCJ at Koori Knockout this long weekend

Friday, 3 October 2025

The 2025 NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Koori Knockout kicks off on Kamilaroi Country today and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is proud to be the Diamond Sponsor of the women’s competition.

From 3 to 6 October, Tamworth will come alive with the biggest Aboriginal community gathering in the country. We’re honoured to support this iconic event and celebrate the strength, skill and spirit of Aboriginal women in league.

The annual competition is community-owned, Aboriginal-led, and deeply valued by mob across the state, and DCJ is proud to be a part of that. It also reflects our commitment to elevating women’s voices, celebrating their achievements, and supporting pathways into employment and leadership as well as sport.

Everyone is invited to come down to Riverside Sporting Complex to cheer on their team as they go for glory. While you’re there, you can stop by DCJ’s stand for a yarn to find out about the services and support we offer the community.

This year the DCJ stall will feature staff from the Family Time Worker team – with applications now open. These specialists are responsible for supporting visits between children and young people in out-of-home care and their family members.

Representatives from other teams across DCJ will also be there. This includes Aboriginal Housing Office, Aboriginal Inclusion Unit from Court Services, Homes NSW, Justice of the Peace New England District, Transforming Aboriginal Outcomes, Youth Justice, Closing the Gap Coordination, and Early Intervention volunteers and carers.

Anti-Discrimination NSW, Create NSW, LegalAid NSW and AbSec will also join the DCJ stand at the event.

In 2024, DCJ’s engagement at the Knockout led to:

• 52 Aboriginal traineeships
• 121 new Justices of the Peace
• Hundreds of service referrals and employment connections

These outcomes demonstrate the Knockout’s power as a platform for real change and opportunity.

DCJ’s coordinated presence at the Knockout brings together teams across divisions to connect face-to-face with Aboriginal communities, showcase programs and strengthen partnerships.

To learn more about Family Time Workers, have a yarn with staff at the DCJ stall or visit: careersatdcj.com/familytimeworker.

Knockout player and proud Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl woman Mishika Randall said:

“DCJ’s support for the women’s competition at Knockout is about more than just sport — it’s about visibility, opportunity and pride.

“There’s so much talent out there. Knockout gives players exposure — and somewhere to go. I grew up watching dad compete and I played football with my brothers. I’ve got five sons of my own now and they all play, their dad too.

“My first Knockout was in 1996 playing with the Maclean United Doobs team. My first Aboriginal Knockout win was in 2012 playing with Mindaribba sisters and it was incredible.

“This year I’m playing with our local team, Bundjalung Tiddas.”

Knockout player and proud Biripi and Dunghutti woman Nyokah Dumas said:

“This is the best time of year for women to be showcased. We’re out there to show we can do what the men do, if not better. Knockout is more than a game. It’s a chance to play for mob and to make community proud.

“I’ve been inspired by my mum and aunties who I watched play my whole life. I was watching them and realised, ‘I've got the best role models to teach me’. My Pop also played so I knew I’d be crazy not to join that rugby bloodline that flows through my family.

“Not many young women from small country towns get that opportunity. So, I knew that if I didn't take it, I'd be missing such a big experience of my life.

“I’m now pushing for the NRLW Indigenous All Stars Team – that’s my goal.”

PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES

Mishika Randall

At 17, Mishika was selected for the Indigenous Australian women’s rugby league team. She was part of the first Aboriginal women’s team to compete in the Pacific Cup in 2000.

Between New South Wales and Queensland, she’s played in many teams over the years, including Central Coast Bears, South West Rocks Marlins, Lower Clarence Tiddas and North Coast Bulldogs

Now 43, Mishika’s still going strong today. She trains hard, eats well and says football keeps her young.

Mishika’s been with DCJ for 14 years, working in Northern District Courts and Tribunals.

Nyokah Dumas

Nyokah’s footy journey started in primary school playing league tag and touch before joining her first rugby league team, the Taree Panthers, at just 14. She loved the aggression, the competitiveness and once she started, she fell in love with the game.

It was her Pop who drove her to multiple trials in one day for her to make reserve grade.

At just 19, Nyokah balances full time work at DCJ as an Aboriginal trainee with playing reserve grade in the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.

Nyokah would love to make it into NRLW. She’s committed to training hard and staying visible to selectors.