People from as far as Wollongong, Eden and Canberra descended on Bodalla for a touch footy knockout on Saturday, December 9. The knockout was held to promote Indigenous health. Bodalla Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO and event organiser Natai Terare said the event was owned and driven by local organisations and volunteers.
“It’s grass roots, and we just want it to draw community in, and increase community development and engagement,” Ms Terare said.
“The whole point of today is to promote Aboriginal health and well being, and world AIDS day. Bodalla Local Aboriginal Land Council has a very strong membership base, so we have volunteers from our membership, as well as community members from around the south coast.”
Many hand may make light work, but co-ordinating an event takes time – especially when you have big ambitions for the future.
“It’s taken a bit over a month and a half to organise the day – we’ve got an adults and a childrens’ competition,” Ms Terare said.
“We registered six adults and three childrens’ teams. We’re hoping this grows over the years, and is the first of many – an inaugural knockout”
Organiser Koorinya Moreton said the focus of the knockout was on reinforcing a strong competition with a strong message.
“A lot of Indigenous organisations have come together to support the day and to promote health,” Ms Moreton said.
“Housing organisations like SEARMS have gotten on board – if people don’t have access to stable housing, that affects their health. It’s good to go to tournaments, but sometimes people get caught up in the tournament stuff. We really wanted the focus of today to be on the health of our communities and how we bond together.”
Ms Terare said the day was a success.
“We have everyone from elders to babies here today,” she said.
“It’s 360 degree community inclusion, promoting healthy living amongst us all. It’s been great.”
We really wanted the focus of today to be on the health of our communities and how we bond together
- Koorinya Moreton
