It is no secret that the GC SUNS fan favourites are proud indigenous representatives, with a passionate Harbrow praising the Gold Coast SUNS for celebrating the contribution of Indigenous Australians a week earlier than most AFL clubs with Round 10 earmarked as “Indigenous Round” across the national competition.
“It’s a good initiative from the Club and it’s great that we can have it up flying high throughout the week,” said Harbrow.
“We’ll also be flying the flag on game-day, but it’s very much just about symbolising that it’s indigenous round and recognising the week and the contribution of indigenous Australia.”
A candid Liam Patrick gave a more personal insight into the SUNS two-week long celebration, telling goldcoastfc.com.au it was important for the game’s indigenous talent to raise cultural awareness and continue to work with and educate teammates, coaches and fans across the code about the many traditions, cultural differences and sensitivities.
“The week is all about cultural awareness and gives most of the indigenous players the opportunity to get up and share their story about where they come from,” said Patrick.
“For me, the week is all about identity and my family history, and it gives me a chance to celebrate and recognise who I am with the Gold Coast and the wider AFL community.”
Patrick said the club’s indigenous stars would take their efforts further by participating in a walk-for-awareness at Burleigh next week.
“When we were in Darwin last year we did a walk, similar to the Michael Long’s The Long Walk, next week we’re going to do a walk up in Burleigh and take part in the celebrations.”
GC SUNS Multicultural and Diversity Officer – Michael Gugliotta, said the club continued to remain committed towards implementing new community initiatives that would strengthen its indigenous and multicultural programs.
“Jarrod and Liam raised the Aboriginal flag in support of the AFL Indigenous Round – which we have chosen to celebrate a week early,” said Gugliotta.
“It was great for our indigenous players to see the flag waving high during their main training session this week as we prepare for our match against the Western Bulldogs.”
Gugliotta said the GC SUNS members and fans could expect to see both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags on show at Metricon Stadium this weekend.
“Both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait flags will be up on game-day to show our support for the indigenous people who play our great game,” Gugliotta said.
“We look forward to ramping up our culturally activities throughout next week, as the other 17 AFL Clubs join the party to celebrate the AFL’s Indigenous Round.”
