In 2008 the AFL will again celebrate the unique contribution Indigenous athletes have made to the Australian football and role the game plays in Indigenous communities with the round 9 of matches dedicated as the Indigenous Rnd.
The week leading up to the round and the 8 matches across the weekend will see a range of activities celebrating this relationship.
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations is supporting the AFL’s Dreamtime at the ‘G and Indigenous Round matches across Australia. The Australian Government has a very special and historical focus on reconciliation and a commitment to improving the economic and social position of Indigenous Australians. The Government is demonstrating leadership by providing programs which support the creation of employment and training opportunities, and career paths for all Indigenous Australians. This is a key part of the Government’s promise to close the gap between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians.
The highlight of the round will again be the annual Dreamtime at the G match between Essendon and Richmond on Saturday night, May 24th at the MCG.
Curtain Raiser – Fitzroy Stars (Vic) v Santa Teresa (NT): 4.30pm
Prematch entertainment: 7.00pm
In addition to Dreamtime at the G on Saturday night, a community event will be held in Federation Square on Friday May 23rd and Saturday May 24th celebrating local Indigenous culture from across Melbourne and Victoria.
Join Michael Long and other well known supporters The Long Walk for the 2008 Long Walk to the MCG.
For more information on The Long Walk, click here
In addition to the activities at the MCG on Saturday night, the Indigenous Round will include a number of Indigenous curtain raisers at other matches across the country.
West Coast Eagles v Adelaide – Subiaco Oval, Saturday night May 24th
Brisbane Lions v St Kilda – Gabba, Sunday May 25th
A number of Indigenous communities and Qantas AFL Kickstart participants will also take part in the NAB AFL Auskick grid games at half time of most matches in round 9.
An important ceremonial activity for the round, a traditional Welcome to Country ceremony will be conducted prior to each game by an elder of the local Indigenous community.
The AFL and the Essendon and Richmond Football Clubs agreed each year to present the Nowalenko Award. The award will recognise someone who has contributed significantly to Australian Football and the Indigenous community.
The two key criteria considered for the award are:-
- Contribution to the game – this can be in a variety of capacities; playing record, promotion of the game, development of the sport etc
- Contribution to the Indigenous community – this could be the Indigenous community in general or a specific community within Australia.
The person can be nominated by clubs, the AFL, the AFLPA, State Leagues or Community groups. Selection of this individual will be decided upon by a panel, made up of a representative from the AFL, Essendon, Richmond, the AFL Players Association and AFL SportsReady.
The winner of the Nowalenko award will be presented at the Official Essendon FC Chairman’s dinner at Dreamtime at the ‘G, Saturday May 24th 2008.
Nominations close on Wednesday April 30th.
In addition to these broader activities, AFL Clubs and players will contribute to the round by conducting a range of activities and events throughout the week and across the weekend.
Details on these activities will be available closer to the round.
