Aunty Joy’s Comm Games celebration

AS the Birmingham Commonwealth Games came to an end last week at Alexander Stadium, the baton was passed to Australia in anticipation of its next iteration.

With regional Victoria at the forefront of the 2026 Games, four First Nations delegates representing Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland, and Geelong took part in a closing ceremony handover.

In a historic first, all four delegates were First Nations elders, including local Wadawurrung traditional owner Aunty Joy Oldaker.

“It was one of the most exhilarating and proudest moments anyone could go through,” Ms Oldaker said.

“To be able to do it in front of the whole nation, it touches the heart.

“The part that was so moving for me was our greetings in Wadawurrung language. That was really heartfelt and powerful. I was alright until then but I got very emotional. Our ancestors were definitely talking to us.

“We also had our largest contingent this year in Indigenous players. It’s so inspiring for young Aboriginal children, whether they’re athletes, dancers, whatever, we want to give them the platform to be leaders.”

Each delegate presented a message stick representing their region to Commonwealth Games Federation president Dame Louise Martin, with the artifacts set go on display at the Museum of London until the 2026 Games.

The closing ceremony included a smoking ceremony and a performance from 18 Indigenous dancers.

A member of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation for over 30 years, Ms Oldaker was in Birmingham for eight days following rehearsals in Melbourne.

She said inclusion of First Nations cultural ideas the closing ceremony would have wider implications beyond just sport, with reconciliation a focus following the historic handover.

“We can’t go back now,” she said. “We can only go forwards now, and I think that’s what we have to do.

“I just want everybody to be part of the Commonwealth Games for all our children, grandchildren, for it to be memorable for everybody.

“Without a doubt, this is a big step forward not just for the Indigenous but the whole community.”