NETBALL and football were the lynchpins for a spectacular celebration of Indigenous and non-Indigenous sport, and for raising awareness of Aboriginal health over the weekend.
The Eastern Health Closing the Gap Sports Day was held at the Don Road Sporting Complex in Healesville on Sunday.
The complex was ablaze with black, red and yellow as Eastern Health staff took on some of the best Aboriginal sporting talent in the region in a netball tournament and football match.
Eastern Health emerged victorious by 29 points against the Aboriginal Community team – their first win in three attempts.
Meanwhile, the Aboriginal Community team won the netball tournament, beating Eastern Health in an exciting grand final by a nail-biting two goals.
However, for Eastern Health Senior Aboriginal Services Development Officer Vera Webber, the day meant much more than the final scoreboard.
“The Eastern Health Closing the Gap Sports Day is very much about raising awareness about Aboriginal health in the region,” Ms Webber said.
“Eastern Health has a strong commitment to closing the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians, and it is important we work closely with the local community to ensure they are accessing the services we have available.”
As well as plenty of sporting action, other highlights of the day included a Welcome to Country from Aunty Joy Murphy, a dance performance by Aldara Consultancy, and post- match entertainment from musicians Philly and Scott Darlow. There were also community health information displays and activities for children.
