Football
29 May, 2024
Laharum FNC set to host special Indigenous round
On Saturday, in round eight of the Horsham District Football Netball League, Laharum and Natimuk play each other in a special Indigenous round honouring the Indigenous heritage around their respective areas.
Laharum Football Netball Club released a statement about the round.
"It is with great pride that Laharum FNC prepares for its inaugural game during National Reconciliation Week, shining a spotlight on the Indigenous peoples of our area."
"We collaborated with talented Indigenous artists to design uniforms, medals and the perpetual trophy, that capture the essence of Indigenous roots of the Gariwerd area."
"This round aims to conduct a game during National Reconciliation Week in collaboration with Natimuk United Football Netball Club."
"We believe it presents an invaluable opportunity to raise awareness of indigenous peoples and celebrate the origins of our national game in the Grampians (Gariwerd)."
"The Grampians/Gariwerd holds a special place in the hearts of our community, and we are acutely aware of its significance to the Wotjobaluk people."
"We wish to use this event as a platform to recognise and pay our respects to the indigenous culture that enriches the history of our region."
"The proximity of our home ground in Laharum to Gariwerd provides a unique opportunity for us to engage with the community, learn from the Traditional Owners, and celebrate the rich heritage of the area."
"We have chosen to partner with Natimuk United Football Netball Club due to its close proximity to Mount Arapiles (Dyuritte) and the profound importance of both Dyuritte and Gariwerd to the Wotjobuluk people. "
"This event is to be conducted annually, with the location to be alternated between the two opposition clubs."
"The perpetual trophy will be awarded to the club that wins the most games on the day including all netball and football matches."
"Medals will be awarded to the Most Valuable player for the Senior Football and A grade Netball."
The indigenous football jumpers and dresses that Laharum will be wearing were designed by Kenita Lee McCartney, who is a Traditional Owner of the Wotjobaluk people.
Kenita Lee McCartney is an artist who works with paint. Her designs were digitilised for the Laharum FNC uniforms.
The club will be welcoming her to the Indigenous round where she will also be speaking at the Bush Tucker afternoon tea that the club will be holding.
Ms McCartney explained what the artwork means.
"This artwork tells the story of this country surrounding Gariwerd, the story of an
ancient culture and it connects the people who play on this land with the First Nations peoples of this community and lands across our nation," Ms McCartney said.
"It tells a story of people coming together from different places and cultures, uniting
as one for a shared future playing the game.
"The circle in the centre represents the football netball club, and the arch-shaped symbols represent the people that make up the Laharum FN Club, the line work represents the outline of Gariwerd, a sacred place."
"Ultimately, it is a celebration of solidarity, connection and unity through the love of the game."
Natimuk Football Netball Club President Shane Glascott said they jumped at the opportunity when Laharum presented them with the idea.
"LFNC approached us before Christmas talking about it. Myself and the committee thought it was a brilliant thing to do and we will back it 100%. They have done a good job in organising it all," Glascott said.
"We have a couple of young Indigenous kids that play for us, and they are looking forward to it and ultimately it's a good opportunity to stand up and do our part.
"Unfortunately we don't have an Indigenous jumper ready, but we are working with an artist now and when we host it next year, we will have one and look forward to doing our part in hosting it."
"It is going to be a good day for everyone and hopefully the weather holds and we can celebrate this day well."