The fourth annual Gunji Origin Reconciliation Cup on Monday featured a record number of students taking part in the growing community event.

Launched in 2022, the Cup is an Oztag tournament designed to strengthen relationships between the Indigenous community, the non-Indigenous community and local police.

This year’s event kicked off in style, with the trophy arriving by helicopter at Cec Glenholmes Oval, delivered by officers from POLAir with support from Lake Illawarra Police Commander, Superintendent Craig Ireland and Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Glen Sutherland.

More than 150 students from 13 high schools on the South Coast competed across 16 teams - including two police teams and one community team - making it the largest tournament yet.

“We’ve got 16 teams this year playing for the Reconciliation Cup, which was won last year by Warilla High School,” said Superintendent Ireland. 

“It’s all about getting together, having a good time, showing community spirit, and giving police a chance to connect with young people - particularly our young Indigenous people.”

Ireland said the event provides a rare opportunity for police and young people to interact in a positive and welcoming environment.

“Usually when police and young people meet, it’s during incidents involving crime or safety concerns. This tournament helps break down barriers. Police and the community should be one.”

“Our officers live and work in the same communities - we are you.”

Now in its fourth year, the competition has more than doubled in size since 2024, with growing interest from local schools wanting to participate.

“There’s more and more schools wanting to get involved so young people can get to know their local police in a different light,” Ireland added.

Warilla High School successfully defended their title, defeating Illawarra Sports High in the final. 

The winning Warilla High School team. Photo: Lake Illawarra District Police

Warilla student Deakin Ingram was named Player of the Day, while Warrawong High School took home the Commander’s Medal for best community spirit and participation.

NSW Minister for Police Yasmin Catley praised the initiative.

“When young people see police officers as approachable and human, trust begins to grow - and that’s exactly what these kinds of initiatives are designed to achieve,” she said.