After having their NAIDOC round postponed due to recent community restrictions, WA’s Kalamunda Rugby Club has re-scheduled their festivities for this weekend’s Fortescue Premier Grade clash against Nedlands.
Since the conclusion of NAIDOC week on July 11, the club has been sporting its now well-known Indigenous-themed jumper to pay respects to the traditional landowners of the Kalamunda area.
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Designed by local First Nations artist Kevin Bynder, the jerseys - alongside the original painting of the design - will be auctioned off after the game with all proceeds being donated to local Indigenous initiative the Bibbulmun Fund.
Kalamunda Districts Rugby Union Club Graham England was excited to finally get the celebrations underway with planning for the Indigenous round taking almost two years.
“Being a very multicultural club, the Kalamunda Bulls are extremely excited to have initiated with RugbyWA an Indigenous Round to celebrate NAIDOC 2021,” England said.
“We are looking forward to a successful round (both on and off the paddock) and hope to see this become an annual event.”
Proceeds from the jerseys will go towards targeted community projects that are run by community members and that have support from local leaders, whilst encouraging, supporting and inspiring Indigenous communities across Australia.
The Bibblumin fund inhibits Doornjil Yoor-dininy, ‘coming together to create and sustain partnerships for mutual growth’.
Chaired by Kulbardi CEO, Kim Collard believes the importance surrounding Indigenous appreciation in community sport in all codes is fundamental not only for local community but for the growth of the sport.
“Graham (England) approached me two years ago, to ask if Kubardi would be interested in supporting a NAIDOC round,” Collard said.
“Early on the Bibblumin find helped support local projects around the Perth Metropolitan area however have expanded to support national projects such as the Purple House and Pinnacle Foundation.”
“To have support for initiatives like Kalamunda’s Indigenous round is vital not only to grow the significance around the event but to help grow the community base of young people who are exposed to the code.”
“I hope this weekend is a spectacle, for us to celebrate the contribution that the aboriginal community make not only in rugby but across many sports.”
RugbyWA alongside Gilbert has also contributed to the round issuing a specially designed ball to each community rugby club during NAIDOC week.
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Designed by artist Phirom Sok, the ball will be used again during this week’s match at Kalamunda Rugby Club.
Kalamunda’s Fortescue Premier Grade side will be facing off against Nedlands Rugby Club this Saturday 7 August kicking off at 3:30pm AWST.
