Community rugby clubs across Western Australia are marking NAIDOC Round and NAIDOC Week with a range of initiatives celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
This year's NAIDOC Week theme, "Fifty Years of Deadly", celebrates 50 years of recognising the strength, resilience, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
From special edition jerseys and cultural ceremonies to community events and fundraising, here's what's happening around the grounds:
Kalamunda will continue its long-standing NAIDOC Round tradition with a special jersey designed by Noongar artist Kevin Bynder. The day will feature a Welcome to Country by Bynder, Indigenous-inspired catering and a jersey auction, with proceeds supporting the club.
Club President Barry Jordan said the club has proudly celebrated NAIDOC Round since 2020, with a different Kevin Bynder design each year, recognising the significance of Hartfield Park to Aboriginal people.
Palmyra Rugby Club will recognise NAIDOC with a special Indigenous-inspired jersey for its Fortescue Premier Grade Men’s team, further celebrating First Nations culture within the community game.
Southern Lions proudly celebrates First Nations culture year-round through its permanent club identity.
Designed by club member and local Noongar man Lecester, the club’s playing jersey, training apparel and merchandise all feature Indigenous artwork representing the Beeliar wetlands and the Southern Lions region. The club has also installed a permanent plaque explaining the artwork and recognising the history of the local Noongar people.
Curtin University Rugby Club will celebrate NAIDOC Week during its home fixture on 11 July, wearing custom jerseys designed by one of the club’s First Nations players.
The day will also feature the club’s annual Friends of Goats Day, bringing together the wider community, with selected jerseys to be auctioned after the match in support of a First Nations charity.
Perth Bayswater Rugby Club will host its annual NAIDOC Week celebration on 11 July, featuring family activities, children’s entertainment and a pre-match ceremony led by Aboriginal Elder John Vaugh.
The club’s Fortescue Premier Grade Men will wear jerseys designed by Marcia McGuire from Maali Aboriginal Designs, with proceeds from the post-match auction supporting the Wungening Corporation.
NAIDOC Bunbury 7s
The celebrations continue over the final weekend of NAIDOC Week with the NAIDOC Bunbury 7s on 11-12 July.
Hosted by RugbyWA and the Bunbury Barbarians Rugby Union Club, the tournament gives junior players the opportunity to play Rugby 7s during the school holidays while celebrating First Nations culture and community.
RugbyWA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live, work and play. Located on Noongar Country, with affiliated clubs across Whadjuk, Pinjarup, Wardandi, Bibbulman, Minang, Kaniyang, Wudjari, Amangu and Wangkatha lands, RugbyWA pays its respects to Elders Past, Present and Emerging and stands with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the journey towards reconciliation.
To access resources for First Nations Australians, or for clubs wishing to support First Nations Australians, please visit RugbyWA's First Nations Resources page.
