The Kyabram District League (KDL) hosted a historic event over the weekend as the only league in regional Victoria to host an Indigenous round with every single player across both netball and football codes wearing Indigenous-designed apparel.
This momentous achievement was born out of a partnership between KDL and the Hume Dhelk Dja Regional Action Group. For the special round, jumpers and dresses designed by Jirri Jirri Art and Design were worn by all players across 15 clubs. This includes football seniors, reserves and thirds as well as A, B, C, under – 17 and under – 15 netball teams.
The flagship match took place at the Undera vs Longwood match, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags painted on the oval for the game and a traditional dance and smoking ceremony prior to the senior’s match.
Undera also hosted former AFL star Gilbert McAdam, along with members from the KDL, AFL Goulburn Murray and the Dhelk Dja Regional Action Group.
The AFL have been supporters for this kind of event for many years now, where the Indigenous round has taken off nationally with great success.
AFL Goulburn Murray’s regional general manager, Jamie Macri said that he was so pleased to see all of the spectacular work achieved by KDL and Dhelk Dja Regional Action Group.
“Nothing this big has ever been done across an AFL Victoria country region before and the body of work that has been completed by all has been amazing,” Mr Macri said.
“The support from the KDL board and clubs has been outstanding and I know how privileged they feel to have been a part of the Indigenous round showcase.”
