Greater Western Water proudly supports inaugural Indigenous Round

Greater Western Water (GWW) proudly supported the Riddell District Football Netball League’s (RDFNL) inaugural Indigenous Round on Saturday, 13 July.

Held during NAIDOC Week, the event provided an opportunity for the league to recognise and celebrate the important contribution First Nations people have made to community sport and local sporting clubs.

As part of last year’s GWW’s Thriving Communities grants and sponsorships program, which supports events that build strong community connections and help make our region a great place to live, the league received almost $20,000 to host the round.

The funding went towards a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony before the league’s A Grade netball games, celebrating and acknowledging our First Nations people. These ceremonies were delivered by Elders from the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Taungurung lands. 

It also went towards custom artwork uniform dress designs for each of the netball clubs, designed by artists Uncle Mick Harding, Tara Gonebale and Ben Hodge.

The artists worked closely with club representatives to ensure the designs captured Indigenous symbols, wildlife and significant landscape surroundings that are identifiable to the lands on which the clubs reside.  

“Across all RDFNL senior venues on the weekend, the league celebrated the contribution of First Nations people and showed our respect to help build strong relationships within the community,” RDFNL CEO Jordan Doyle said.

“Without the support of Greater Western Water, this Round would not have taken place so we are very grateful for the support as are our member clubs.”

Members of the Riddell District Football Netball League at the inaugural Indigenous Round.

GWW was proud to attend the Riddell vs Macedon netball game on Saturday and take part in celebrating RDFNL’s inaugural Indigenous Round.

We are committed to supporting events such as these to further our connection to community and our commitment to reconciliation outcomes by increasing understanding and respect for First Nations heritage, histories, cultures and rights.

Visit our grants and sponsorships page to learn more about our Thriving Communities program.