Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation kicked off their NAIDOC Week celebrations with the footy in hand and an open invite for people of all cultures, something they say is exactly what the week is all about.
Gloomy winter weather didn't stop close to 100 people from joining in on their AFL Day in Werribee last week, ahead of a list of NAIDOC events they've organised for their community.
Founded more than 50 years ago, Ngwala Willumbong delivers specialised drug residential rehabilitation and outreach support services and support Aboriginal families and communities across Victoria. They also expand into homelessness services, recovery, social and emotional wellbeing programs and operate public intoxication response services, among their wide-reaching efforts.
Partnerships with other organisations is key to their work.
During the middle of the year, Ngwala Willumbong has been hosting weekly community sports events with Reclink.
Their NAIDOC AFL Day also got VFL club Werribee Tigers involved and a session on the deeply connected history and influence of First Peoples on footy.
Taungurung man Jake Bourke led a Marngrook session.
Ngwala's Uncle Roderick 'Rupey' Briggs takes pride in the partnerships formed and opportunities created to bring people together, celebrate culture and strengthen community, he said.
Uncle Rupey delivered the Welcome to Country and Smoking ceremony on the day.
Lunch and bush tucker desserts, a colouring-in competition, the AFL 9s clinic and traditional games, run by Rod Briggs, were also on the itinerary.
"We saw people of all backgrounds celebrating alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families," Uncle Rupey said, "That's what NAIDOC is all about — connection, respect and sharing culture."
Reclink share the same feeling of pride in partnering with Ngwala, its Wyndham Sports Coordinator Tegan McHamilton said.
"We share a strong commitment to strengthening community through social connection, sport and recreation and together we've been able to create welcoming and inclusive opportunities for people to come together," Ms McHamilton said.
"Ngwala's generosity in sharing Aboriginal culture and knowledge has enriched our programs and helped build greater understanding, respect and connection across our community. We look forward to continuing this partnership and creating more opportunities for people to connect, learn and thrive together."
The Williams family took up the chance to connect while thousands of kilometres from home.
"We were down visiting from Mackay, Queensland, and there aren't many NAIDOC events like this back home. We are Yorta Yorta and South Sea Islander peoples, and we were so happy to see the community come together here," they said.
"The smoking ceremony, the way everyone connected and celebrated culture so naturally, was really special. The kids had the best time meeting so many other children and feeling part of something like this."
Ngwala team leader Sue Mackey told National Indigenous Times strong and meaningful relationships with other services is a key focus in achieving better outcomes for their community in Melbourne's west.
The corporation's soon-to-open Western Office in Werribee will operate a West Nest free Monday-Friday food bank.
It's a safe place to have a yarn, a cuppa and with no paperwork required or limits enforced, Ms Mackey said, "providing practical support while also linking people into broader services and programs".
"Across everything we do, we are going above and beyond to make sure community is supported in a holistic and culturally safe way," Ms Mackey said.
In addition to their AFL Day, Ngwala hosted a handful of NAIDOC events in different pockets of Melbourne last week and on Monday.
NAIDOC In the East, in Ringwood, a community basketball day and talent competition are scheduled for the following days.
Their community sports days with Reclink continue on Wednesday's through to August with traditional games to golf at the driving range organised.
