ABORIGINAL
players from each of the nine West Australian Football League Clubs, including
West Perth and Fremantle player Stephen Hill, will showcase specially designed
NAIDOC Week uniforms at Subiaco Oval (Gate 8) next Wednesday, July 1 at 5pm.
For the very first time in Australian sporting history, all clubs in one competition will participate in the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) celebrations across two weekends, beginning in Round 15 on July 4 and continuing in Round 16 on July 10 and 11.
Aboriginal WAFL umpire Brandon Simpson will also be involved in the NAIDOC celebrations, which will be based on the theme of “honouring our elders, nurturing our youth”.
During the NAIDOC weekends, all players will wear uniforms specially designed by Aboriginal artist Richard Walley. Richard has incorporated various Aboriginal themes into all nine WAFL club jumpers based on their history.
These jumper designs were presented and promoted to United Nations (UN) in New York last month by Richard Walley, with the UN congratulating and recognising Richard’s work and achievement in leading this project.
The Department of Indigenous Affairs has funded the production of all jumpers and is the sponsor of the WAFL NAIDOC weekends.
WA Football Commission Director of Football Grant Dorrington said the WAFL was very excited about this year’s NAIDOC events.
“With the two WAFL clubs, Claremont and South Fremantle, initiating this journey in 2007, it has taken only two years for the WAFL NAIDOC themed rounds to come into fruition.”
NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia in July each year to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of indigenous Australians.
WAFC Marketing Executive Nathan Durham said NAIDOC weekends were also very important rounds for the development of WA Football.
“There are many indigenous Australians associated with football and there are many indigenous football players who play a big part in our community,” Mr Durham said.
“NAIDOC is one of the key ways for indigenous people to recognise their heritage.”
South Fremantle Chief Executive Officer Brian Ciccotosto said the event would also help raise the profile of indigenous participation in Australia Football.
“Our club is very proud of the achievements of its indigenous players ever since Jimmy Melbourne first played for the club in 1902.”
“They have brought a style of play to football which has pleased football audiences Australia-wide,” Mr Ciccotosto said.
South Fremantle Football Club will also announce its Indigenous Team of the Century during NAIDOC week in Round 15.
NAIDOC promotion representatives:
Claremont - Casey Sibasado
East Fremantle - Anthony Kyanga
East Perth - Daniel Macaulay
Peel Thunder - Quinton Bolton
Perth - Troy Cook
South Fremantle - Toby McGrath
Subiaco - Raphael Stack
Swan Districts - Lewis Jetta
West Perth - Stephen Hill
WAFL Umpires - Brandon Simpson
