Community clubs celebrate National Reconciliation Week

Fitzroy Gracemere Sharks never want a person at their club to feel like they don’t belong.

This is why they work year-round to ensure they celebrate all their players, volunteers, coaches and more, particularly their First Nations people.

As this year’s National Reconciliation Week comes to an end, the celebrations are far from over for the Rockhampton-based club, who have postponed their official event until June 21-25.

Club secretary, Brymer, said the delay was due to changes to the draw and the timing of a home game, but Fitzroy Gracemere were a club that embedded Indigenous culture into their operations all year long and they recognised significant dates to highlight that culture.

“We’re very proud of our club and the harmony we have within the club,” Brymer said.

“Everyone is welcome in our club… you come to our club and get involved.

“We have a fairly large First Nations membership base. It’s really important that they feel part of everything we do in the club and the club appreciates their heritage and how they’ve been involved with us for such a long time.

“These types of events, it’s just natural for us. It’s not something to put on a pedestal. It’s not a one off thing for us. It’s embedded in our club.”

Fitzroy Gracemere hold annual National Reconciliation Week events, as well as NAIDOC Week event each July.

For their National Reconciliation Week later this month, the club will have local elders come to training sessions on the Tuesday and Thursday to talk about their experiences, the wrongs of the past, and how people can help with reconciliation today.

Then on Saturday, June 25, they will host A grade, women’s and reserve grade matches in the Reconciliation Cup against Emu Park, with players to wear specially made jerseys with Indigenous designs.

There will be traditional dancing by Darumbal Youth, a didgeridoo performance by Jordan Young, a yarning circle, and traditional food, as well as a barbeque.

Brymer said everyone loves the “theatre and atmosphere” the event brings each year.

“Everyone embraces it,” he said.

“We’ve got people from all backgrounds at our club. It’s a level of respect shown to everybody around the club.”

While Fitzroy Gracemere will hold their celebrations later this month, other clubs have already held events, including Townsville’s Norths Devils.

Norths went down 32-14 to Burdekin in A grade on Saturday, May 28, but held a highly successful event, which included local Indigenous businesses, entertainment, dance troupes, and Indigenous food.

Club chairman Karl Adams said the idea behind the event was around “sharing culture” and was held with a view to connect with the local community.

Main image: Fitzroy Gracemere women's team in 2021. Photo: Fitzroy Gracemere Sharks RLFC Facebook