The Melbourne Storm has issued a formal apology to Indigenous communities after cancelling a planned Welcome to Country ceremony ahead of their Anzac Day match earlier this year, which left an Elder devastated.
Senior Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin was scheduled to deliver the Welcome to Country before the game against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, but was prevented from doing so at short notice. Planned performances by Wurundjeri dance group Djirri Djirri and Māori group Ngā Mātai Pūrua were also cancelled.
The decision came just hours after Bunurong Elder Uncle Mark Brown was heckled during a separate Anzac Day ceremony at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance. One of the hecklers was alleged to be a neo-Nazi.
In a statement, the Storm said the club had been in "ongoing communication with members of the Wurundjeri community following the events on Anzac Day and has apologised to the individuals, groups, and communities involved".
"The Club extends that apology to First Nations and Māori and Pasifika communities impacted," the statement read.
"As we continue to engage with the local community regarding connection to the Club and cultural protocols and out of respect for those involved, the Club will recognise the traditional owners of the land through an Acknowledgement of Country on Thursday night for Indigenous Round."
On the same day as the club launched their Indigenous jersey, designed by Warumungu and Yawuru artist David Roe (Roey), they reiterated their ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.
"The club is built on the strength of our many cultures, including our long-standing relationship with First Nations and Māori and Pasifika communities, and we remain committed to ensuring our social and community programs continue to make a positive impact," the club said.
The Storm's decision on Anzac Day drew backlash from parts of the community, including the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, which withdrew its support for the club — including their partnership on the Deadly Choices health campaign.
Days later, Aunty Joy and the Djirri Djirri group released a statement outlining how the decision unfolded. They said after their final rehearsal, they were approached by Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodskim, who said whilst they were "so grateful" to have them all dancing, the Board "doesn't feel comfortable having a Welcome to Country because of what happened in regards to the booing of Uncle Mark Brown at the Anzac Dawn Service".
"They were also 'happy' for us to still dance to represent the 'Welcome,' but we were in shock and disbelief," the statement said.
Aunty Joy said she was devastated, especially as she had planned to honour her father, who served in the First World War.
"We had a yarn earlier amongst ourselves about staying strong and brave today as it is a lot, to be Blak on our own Country. We spoke with Justin Rodski and executives with all of us. They came back after that discussion and apologised, but after reconsidering, we all came to the decision to boycott," the statement read.
"We strongly regard this as being totally tokenistic and goes completely against their journey of reconciliation and we feel very disrespected. We stand with and follow the directions of our staunch Elders.
"What we do isn't a performance, it's cultural ceremony and protocol. We strongly feel this action taken by Melbourne Storm was unnecessary and has caused us hurt and disbelief in what we thought was a good relationship."
The Storm later said the cancellation resulted from internal miscommunication. According to the club, the board had previously agreed to limit Welcome to Country ceremonies to "major cultural events" — although what constituted such an event was not clearly defined.
While the club announced last year it would review the frequency of these ceremonies, it had been expected they would continue before Indigenous Round and Anzac Day matches.
There will be a Welcome to Country performed before Thursday night's game at AAMI Stadium between Melbourne and Brisbane.
