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Eye health in focus at Koori Knockout rugby league 'corroboree'
13th October 2025
On the October long weekend, RDN staff took to the sidelines of the 2025 NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout (aka the“Koori Knockout”) as part of the?Western NSW Eye Health Partnership (WNSWEHP)?and its aim to increase access to eye health services and, ultimately, reduce the rate of avoidable vision loss in Aboriginal communities across Western NSW.
Dating back to 1971 and offering a powerful expression of Aboriginal identity, pride, kinship and resilience, the Knockout was this year hosted by Walgett Aboriginal Connection (WAC) in Tamworth, Gomeroi Country and has grown to become one of the biggest Indigenous gatherings in Australia. The event was the perfect platform for WNSWEHP’s second attendance, following its debut last year in Bathurst.
As part of the event, the WNSWEHP welcomed Knockout participants to talk about the importance of eye health and captured more than 60 detailed images of the inside of attendees' eyes using a portable retinal camera.
As a result, it was determined that 16 individuals will need further follow-up and assessments and were given referrals to optometrists.
Eye diseases and vision problems are the most common long-term health conditions reported by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affecting an estimated 45% of the population (ABS 2019*).
WNSWEHP Senior Project Officer Jess Rae led the initiative and Health Access Services Manager, Amanda Masset, represented RDN at the event. Amanda said “This impactful event was made possible through the dedicated collaboration of the Western NSW Eye Health Partnership, Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service, Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service, Walhallow Aboriginal Corporation, Paul Harvey Optometry, and the Brien Holden Foundation.”
What is the Western NSW Eye Health Partnership?
WNSWEHP is a collaborative initiative working to improve eye health outcomes for Aboriginal people across the Western NSW region and is administered by RDN and funded by The Fred Hollows Foundation. Partners work together within an integrated framework drawing on local knowledge, and work with stakeholders across the region to achieve more equitable support and culturally responsive pathways to eye health for Aboriginal people. The Partnership aims to increase access and delivery of eye services to reduce the rate of avoidable vision loss in Aboriginal people in Western NSW.
- Related news: Did you know last Thursday was World Sight Day, where a spotlight is cast on the importance of eye care? Nearly everyone on the planet will experience an eye health issue in their lifetime, yet over a billion people still lack access to the services and treatments they need. Every October, on the second Thursday, the world's attention is focused on what it means to have eye care that is accessible, available and affordable to all. Learn more.
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