This Sunday, July 3, the Subiaco District will conduct the annual District dreaming carnival at Des Penman Reserve in Nollamara to celebrate the role that indigenous Australians play in our game and promote social inclusion with the wider community. The carnival is in its fifth year and was the initiative of the Northern Cobra’s Junior Football Club to acknowledge the indigenous stars that play Australian Rules football. It was developed after Jarrod Oakley-Nicholls was drafted to Richmond and then subsequently debuted at the annual "Dreamtime at the 'G’" game in 2006, where he scored the winning behind.
The District Dreaming carnival will host junior matches involving some 20 teams from within the Subiaco District from 8.30am until 5pm. The day will also provided an opportunity to continue to reinforce positive game environments, provide the history of Aboriginal culture through a welcome to country address and an opportunity to integrate the community through Australian football.
The day will feature a ‘Welcome to the Country’ address from Gus Ryder from the New Norcia Mission, traditional dances from Balga Senior High School and a welcome by Subiaco’s District Manager, Ben Haywood.
All teams that compete during the day will run through a banner together prior to the commencement of their matches to signify the harmony of the day. It will also provide an opportunity for players and spectators to interact with Des Headland, current Subiaco player and a former star with the Brisbane Lions and Fremantle Dockers.
Traditional Indigenous cultures mostly experience ‘Dreaming’ as one entity – past, present and future combined. Subiaco District Manager Ben Haywood said, "It is an opportunity to honour the traditional owners of the land and celebrate by playing our national game of Australian Football. Australian Football provides an opportunity for the Australian population, both young and old, to enjoy physical activity and the spectacle that it ensures.
"Our game of Australian Football provides opportunities for all to participate without discrimination and highlights the importance for all to integrate harmoniously within society. District Dreaming would not be possible without the involvement of the Northern Cobras JFC, Balga JFC and the Central Cougars JFC.”
District Dreaming is supported by the O’Regan Group Insurance Brokers and the City of Stirling. All coaches and managers will receive a District Dreaming polo shirt to signify the role they play in developing our young players.
