The annual Gunji Origin Reconciliation Cup will begin on September 23 with students from across Lake Illawarra joining NSW Police officers for a mixed Oztag competition at Myimbarr Park, Shellharbour.

The competition was launched in 2022 and aims to help bridge the gap between the Indigenous community and non-indigenous community and police.

Around 90 students in years 7-10 from schools in Oak Flats, Warilla, Lake Illawarra, Dapto and Albion Park will compete with Police officers from the Lake Illawarra District for bragging rights.

Lake Illawarra Police District Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer, Glen Sutherland said in a press release that previous competitions have been a great success.

“The event is a great opportunity to come together on Dharawal Country Land and be active, while also breaking down any barriers that exist between the community and police, particularly the Indigenous communities,” said Sutherland.

“We have seen incredible success in the previous years, with students seeing police officers in a different light and building relationships in a more relaxed environment. They now feel more comfortable to reach out if they need police and the benefits go well beyond the field, with spectators turning up throughout the day to cheer on their friends and family and engage with local police.”

The event will run throughout the day.