Indigenous Fremantle Dockers past players have collaborated with researchers from Curtin University's Faculty of Humanities to present powerful stories of identity, community and cultural connection through creative expression.
Featuring an immersive virtual reality Welcome to Country experience and a 3D animation of a former AFLW players, the creative projects were unveiled at Tuesday's 'Yoowarl Koorl: ReconciliAction and Indigenous Futures'.
The showcase event Indigenous voices, cultural resilience and a shared commitment to 'reconciliAction'.
Curtin's Dean of Indigenous Futures, Associate Professor Mandy Downing, said the showcase was a visually impressive and thought-provoking display of creativity.
"These unique creative projects exemplify Curtin's dedication to Indigenous engagement, reconciliAction and innovation," Associate Professor Downing told News at Curtin.
"Yoowarl Koorl, meaning 'come this way' in Noongar, is part of our ongoing journey of reconciliAction, creating a meaningful space for Indigenous stories, voices and creativity.
"The project is a continuation of Curtin's long-running partnership with the Fremantle Football Club, and celebrates a remarkable AFL record where Fremantle had at least one Indigenous player take to the field during an AFL match over an incredible 30-year streak, demonstrating reconciliAction."
Projects featured at the showcase event combined cultural heritage with advanced technology and storytelling. They included a podcast completed by former Fremantle player Troy Cook and Curtin journalism lecturer Dr Glynn Greensmith, in which Cook reflects on personal growth, community impact and the importance of Indigenous storytelling.
Another collaboration saw former Dockers defender Dale Kickett, writer Dr David Whish-Wilson and animator Jonathan Pillai, both from Curtin, collaborate to produce a 3D animation portraying Kickett's story, combining visual art with Indigenous narrative.
Former AFLW player Alicia Janz's works were also on display, an immersive virtual reality Welcome to Country experience produced by the proud Meriam Mer woman alongside Curtin HIVE by Dr Kerreen Ely Harper
Also featured were the results of a song workshop which explored the power of music as a medium for sharing community stories.
Led by renowned Indigenous author John Curtin Distinguished Professor Kim Scott, the pair collaborated with former Dockers forward Jeff Farmer, 'The Wizard' lending his voice to the Indigenous language and stories project.
VR headsets were utilised for attendees to engage with the projects, with a short film produced by project co-ordinator, Dr Michelle Johnston screened, sharing stories of the projects' creation.
The event showcased the way Curtain University continues to work with the Fremantle Football Club to support Indigenous storytelling and cultural integrity.
