On Wednesday afternoon the Fremantle playing group, coaches and administration staff took part in NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Indigenous artist Richard Walley, who is also Fremantle Dockers Number 1 Ticketholder, led a variety of cultural activities that began with a traditional Aboriginal feast of kangaroo stew and damper. This was followed by spear and boomerang throwing on the oval.
In recognition of NAIDOC Week the centre circle at Fremantle Oval was painted the colours of the Aboriginal flag.
Richard Walley demonstrating how to correctly throw a boomerang.
Ed Langdon’s first attempt at a boomerang throw.
Matt Taberner was quick to master the art of spear throwing.
Michael Johnson enjoying NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Freo youngster Josh Deluca learning the art of spear throwing.
Tendai learns from the best.
Stephen Hill thanking Richard Walley for coordinating the cultural activities.
A fun afternoon was had by all.
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.
NAIDOC Week is held in the first full week of July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.
The national NAIDOC theme for 2016 is ‘songlines’, the living narrative of our nation.