ON the oche, Mick Lacey is known as the “Lone Wolf” – a solitary competitor focused on precision and performance.
But off it, the proud Indigenous Ipswich darts player is leading something far bigger, bringing together a new “pack” of players from across Australia for the inaugural First Nations National Reconciliation Darts Tournament, driven by a single purpose, unity through sport.
A groundbreaking celebration of sport, culture and community will take centre stage this July, with the inaugural First Nations National Reconciliation Darts Tournament set to debut during the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week.
The three-day event, to be held from July 3-5, will bring together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players from across the country, creating a powerful platform for connection, competition and cultural pride.
Lacey has helped to drive the concept, with the idea beginning as a simple conversation but quickly gaining momentum.
“It was pretty much an off-the-cuff discussion with the Floyd Leedie (CEO Goondir Health Services),” Lacey said.
“We just thought it would be good to run something during NAIDOC Week, and from there it really snowballed.”
With strong backing from local Indigenous organisations Goondiir and Kambu Health, the tournament has rapidly evolved into a major community event, highlighting the role sport can play in strengthening wellbeing and unity.
“As both a darts player and an Indigenous man, there’s really been nothing like this,” Lacey said.
“There’s a large population of Indigenous darts players, but not many opportunities for us to come together like this.”
Kambu Health Board Chair Allan Fisher said the First Nations Reconciliation Darts Tournament highlights the powerful connection between sport, culture, and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Events like the First Nations Reconciliation Darts Tournament are more than just sport – they create safe, inclusive spaces where our people can come together, strengthen connections, and support one another’s well-
being,” Mr Fisher said.
“At Kambu Health, we recognise that improving health outcomes for our communities goes beyond clinical care.
It’s about engaging our mob in ways that are culturally meaningful, and sport plays a vital role in that.
“By bringing together community, culture, and physical activity, initiatives like this help promote both physical and social and emotional wellbeing, which is critical in closing the gap in health outcomes.”
“Collaborations between community organisations, sporting groups, and health services are essential.
“When we work together, we create stronger, healthier communities for our people now and into the future.”
Beyond competition, the event will feature a strong cultural and community focus, beginning with an opening ceremony on the Friday including a Welcome to Country, cultural performances and community engagement activities.
The opening day will also include health and cultural promotion initiatives, reinforcing the broader impact of the event across the community.
Lacey said sport plays a vital role in bringing communities together.
“In our communities, sport is everything – whether it’s darts or footy, everyone gets around it,” he said.
“Being able to use sport to promote health and wellbeing is really beneficial.”
The tournament is expected to become a lasting addition to the national calendar.
“This is just the beginning,” Lacey said.
“We want to build something that grows every year and continues to bring our people together.”
