AFLPA Indigenous Camp a success

20 Nov 2006 - Jason Murnane

The camp celebrates the high numbers of Indigenous players within the AFL and their unique and unmistakable contribution to the game.

Players were welcomed to Townsville on Friday the 10th by Manny Ross, Elder from traditional land owners the Birri Gubba nation - Bindal clan. 

Indigenous AFL players also held a number of Kickstart clinics in Townsville and Palm Island.

A highlight of the camp was a visit to the Palm Island community by six Indigenous AFL players, including Chris Johnson, Richard Tambling, Cory McGrath, Daniel Wells, Matthew Whelan and Shaun Burgoyne. 

Players enjoyed the hospitality of the community and the vibrancy of a number of school aged Indigenous children from the Island.

Other highlights include;

• AFL Indigenous players running an AFLQ Development Squad training session,
• A interactive session with Indigenous Educator Billy Williams,
• Cultural Art and Indigenous Map / Culture workshops, and,
• A moving address from former ATSIC Chairperson & Australian of the Year and Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue AC, CBE.   

Forming a key part of the AFL Players' Association's Indigenous Support Program, the four day program of events endeavours to provide a support structure within the AFL environment that is inclusive of and accessible to Indigenous players. 

In season 2006, a record 55 Indigenous players were listed with AFL clubs, making up around 8% of the total playing population.  In contrast, Indigenous Australians make up approximately 2.1% of Australia's total population.

The camp also promotes the personal development of Indigenous Players within the AFL and in doing so works towards solving any unique issues this group may face.

The four-day event follows on from successful Indigenous camps in 2000 (Melbourne) , 2002 (Uluru) and 2004 (Broome). 

Initiatives to emerge following previous camps includes; an alliance with AFL Sports Ready to provide Indigenous traineeships; Indigenous newsletter; an increase in the number of Indigenous Players studying; and the introduction of cross cultural awareness programs incorporating Indigenous specific issues.