Broadford celebrate Indigenous round

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By Jackson Russell

As part of Riddell Football Netball League’s Indigenous Round, Broadford Football Netball Club brought in Taungurung Elder Uncle Shane Monk to give the Welcome to Country before the game and talk about Aboriginal culture.

Broadford Football Netball Club president Bonnie Cavanagh said, as a Taungurung woman, she was really proud to be able to host the game and showcase Aboriginal culture.

“I’m pretty proud that we’ve got a home game for one because Taungurung country is my country and that’s where the club is based,” she said.

Uncle Shane Monk explains his traditional possum skin cloak and its importance.

“It’s really special to be able to showcase this not only to Riddell who have come across but to the local community so they can get a bit more of an understanding of what it means to be Aboriginal and that we’re all inclusive and all Australian.”

The day was attended by Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm and Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, who Ms Cavanagh said have been supportive of the club.

“This is just one way everyone’s putting their support behind the club, not just for Indigenous round but it shows how much respect they have for what we’re doing here,” she said.

Before the first bounce, Uncle Shane Monk spoke about Aboriginal culture and explained some of the tools and agricultural methods Taungurung people used to use.

“It’s special to share knowledge, we need to share knowledge and let people know about our culture and this was a great place to do it and a great group of people who were so interested,” he said.

“There’s not much knowledge out there for people to find so for me to be able to share knowledge is unbelievable.

“To see the club take it on and really show respect of Indigenous Round is really heart-warming.

“People are actually genuine about it, they’re not doing it because they have to, they’re genuinely interested and want to be part of it so it’s really special.”