Each of the club’s 46 players participated in the interactive session which consisted of a walk around the Burleigh precinct complete with historic narration which provided insight into the city’s ancestral elders, cultural activities including dance, music, arts of the local Yugambeh tribe.
Youngsters Jaeger O’Meara, Clay Cameron, Jesse Lonergan and Andrew Boston provided the highlight of the cultural tour, participating in the ancient smoking ceremony before attempting the famous “Naudo” dance in front of an entertained playing group.
Jellurgal’s Cultural Promotions Coordinator – Billie Edwards, told goldcoastfc.com.au she was taken aback by the attention and enthusiasm she was given by the club’s intrigued players.
“Initially we thought it was only the indigenous players that would be arriving, but we then found out that all of the players wanted to come down which was just so important to see,” Edwards said.
“And they took everything on board and were than happy to come down and experience what we had to offer.”
GC SUNS Multicultural Officer – Michael Gugliotta, said the player’s had embraced the importance of the AFL’s celebration of indigenous round.
“It was great to see the boys had really got involved in the day and I’m sure they all walked away with a better understanding of indigenous people and their culture,” said Gugliotta.
In a passionate display of their indigenous culture the club’s indigenous stars Jarrod Harbrow, Liam Patrick, Harley Bennell, Brandon Matera, Steven May, Jack Martin and Timmy Sumner stripped down and decorated themselves with body paint in front of their fellow teammates – an act Gugliotta said was welcomed by the club’s non-indigenous administrative staff and playing group.
“Getting the seven indigenous players painted up and braving the cold winds demonstrated just how proud they are of their heritage, and how important their cultural background means to them.”
Edwards hoped the GC SUNS visit to the centre would inspire and spark interest amongst the Gold Coast’s wider community to learn more about the country’s oldest land owners.
“From our perspective it was great to see the SUNS come down and participate in the indigenous community,” Edwards said.
“Their great role models for the community and if everyone can see that the SUNS are going to learn more about aboriginal culture than hopefully the rest of the Gold Coast will follow suit and come down as well.”
