Football NSW acknowledges 2021 NAIDOC Week

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Football NSW would like to acknowledge 2021 NAIDOC Week which is celebrated across Australia from July 4 – 11.

Held annually, NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year, the 2021 NAIDOC Week theme is “Heal Country” which calls for a better understanding from all Australians to continue to seek greater protections for lands, waters, sacred sites and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction.

This year’s theme also seeks substantive institutional, structural, and collaborative reform – something generations of Elders and communities have been advocating, marching, and fighting for.

Healing Country means finally resolving many of the outstanding injustices which impact on the lives of the people.

It is about hearing and actioning the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples which are the culmination of generations of consultation and discussions among our nations on a range of issues and grievances.

Unfortunately COVID and the recent lockdown in Greater Sydney have resulted in a number of Football related NAIDOC Events being cancelled but the understanding of how important this week is for all remains paramount and a number one directive in these trying times.

Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge said NAIDOC Week was a fantastic opportunity for the Football community to reflect on the contribution and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within football and the community.

“Both on and off the field this year we’ve seen the positive impact football continues to have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and I’m excited to see how we continue to progress this albeit in trying times due to COVID this year and beyond.

“To see the likes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander football stars such as Kyah Simon, Jada Mathyssen-Whyman, Shadeene Evans and Tate Russell to name a few proudly represent the round ball game and constantly kicking goals for the better, the future is certainly bright with many more up and coming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players coming through the ranks.

“Football NSW is proud to continue to work with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to help better support and acknowledge their significant contribution to our great game, both on and off the field.”