Returning for 2024 ahead of NAIDOC Week, the Fremantle Dockers, Cockburn ARC and the City of Cockburn hosted 330 students across 11 local primary schools for the Club’s second annual NAIDOC Cultural Immersion experience.
The full day experience at the Club was designed to allow students to gain a greater understanding of the cultural significance of the lands in which we are located, as well as their education on the diverse Aboriginal culture that exists in the region.
The Club would like to thank Woodside Energy for their support of the event and assisting with school travel costs to get them to this important event.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said he was proud to again demonstrate the community partnership between the City and the Fremantle Football Club by celebrating National NAIDOC week and the history and culture of First Nations people on Beeliar Boodja.
“For the second year, the City and the Fremantle Dockers were thrilled to combine forces to invite hundreds of Cockburn primary school children to a NAIDOC event at the City’s Cockburn ARC facility, the proud home of the Fremantle Football Club,” Mayor Howlett said.
“This partnership event means local kids can interact with their First Nations AFL and AFLW heroes in their own backyard, where they can safely strengthen bonds and make new friends as they create some great memories and enjoy some new experiences.”
Mitchell Garlett opened the day with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, as schools gathered on Beeliar Boodja land, before heading into the activities.
The students took part in multiple cultural activities, including Beeliar Boodja Storytelling, a traditional Aboriginal dance workshop, jumper art design inspired by Aboriginal culture, and a Walyalup cultural history presentation by Fremantle Life Member and NGA Coach, Roger Hayden.
Several AFL and AFLW players were in attendance throughout the day conducting football clinics for students of all skill levels, including Michael Walters, Mikayla Morrison, Conrad Williams, Josh Corbett, Sebit Kuek, Cooper Simpson, Jack Delean, Aine Tighe, Mim Strom, Orlagh Lally, Gabby Newton.
“It was wonderful to see some of our local students meet some of Fremantle’s Aboriginal stars, including former Fremantle legend Roger Hayden and current day champion Michael 'Sonny' Walters during some fast-paced football skills clinics,” Mayor Howlett said.
“They also participated in some traditional Welcome to Country, storytelling, art and dance activities with local First Nations community members including the Rev. Mitchell Garlett, Aboriginal cultural educator Cyril Yarran and artist Kathleen Sherie.”
The 11 schools from the City of Cockburn local government area that took part were Coogee Primary, Newton Primary, Phoenix Primary, Beeliar Primary, Yangebup Primary, East Hamilton Hill Primary, Jilbup Primary, Spearwood Primary, Success Primary, Harmony Primary, and Coolbellup Primary.
