By Derek Schlennstedt
Yarra Valley will host its maiden Dreamtime match between Healesville and Woori Yallock, and will recognise and celebrate Indigenous players and culture.
Fittingly, the local match will take place at the Woori Yallock Football ground on 27 May, the same week as the Sir Doug Nichols ‘Dreamtime at the G’ AFL game.
The traditional custodians of the land will be acknowledged prior to the match to be played under lights.
Many players of local football clubs in the past have been Indigenous, and Aunty Joy, who helped organise the game along with Leisl Morrey, said that this match was recognising those previous football players in the region.
“This will be the first time we’ve had this kind of ceremony,” Aunty Joy said.
“It could be called a recognition and reunion match, and I think in the Indigenous round it gives respect to those who have laid the foundations across the Yarra valley.”
“For younger generations who continue to play, and indeed families from elsewhere, they come here knowing there are roots in the Yarra Valley and that other Indigenous players have played here for a long time.”
The Dreamtime event will be held at the Woori Yallock Football club and include the under-18s, the reserves and also netball games.
The main event will be the seniors match between Healesville and Woori Yallock to kick-off at 7pm.
New jumpers and dresses were designed for the game by Healesville designer Sophie Young.
The designs for the Woori Yallock and Healesville football jumpers and netball dresses include important Wurundjeri symbols such as eucalyptus leaves, a boomerang, and Warin (wombat) paws.
There is also pre match entertainment, and during the half-time break of the seniors, the under 9s will play a brief game.
“We’d like to put on a really nice display.”
“Because it’s at night, we want to emphasise spirit through life, and we’ll have a voice that will be singing in language, and a large Bunjil eagle puppet,” Aunty Joy said.
Healesville Football Club president, Felix Fraraccio, said the club was honoured to be part of the event and looked forward to being involved in it in future years.
“Our club is more than excited to be part of it and our players as well.
“I know our club and others embrace it and we hope a lot of people get along to it as it will be a great night,” Felix said.
