With West Coast’s Indigenous players including Josh Hill, Brad Dick, Jamie Bennell and Murray Newman in attendance, as well as Eagle great David Wirrpanda himself, St Georges Terrace was temporarily transformed in to a dancefloor with more than 50 dancers from Urban Youth Effect taking part in the flash mob – with some even travelling all the way from WA’s Wheatbelt to participate.
The man behind it all, Wirrpanda himself, said he was extremely impressed with the flash mob, although opted to not get amongst the dancing himself.
“I don’t think I’ve got the moves anymore,” the former West Coast defender admitted.
“But the guys did a great job and created a great spectacle. This was all organised to raise awareness for West Coast’s Indigenous Round, and I think the guys did a pretty good job of grabbing people’s attention.
“West Coast is dedicating its round eight match against the Kangaroos to the David Wirrpanda Foundation, and we’ll be raising money by selling DWF caps and scarves.
“The caps have actually been designed by former AFL player Dale Kickett.
“We’d obviously love all West Coast fans to get behind it and support this great cause. The money raised goes to our Foundation’s youth programs.”
Someone who can vouch for the work of the David Wirrpanda Foundation is West Coast forward Josh Hill, who joined Wirrpanda yesterday cheering on the dancers.
“Me and the other Indigenous boys spend every Tuesday at the Foundation helping out with these programs, and the work they do there is fantastic,” Hill said.
BHP Billiton is the official match day sponsor for the West Coast Eagles Indigenous Round, with BHP employees helping to fundraise around the ground on match day. BHP Billiton will also be kindly doubling the amount it’s staff members raise on the day as part of the company’s employee ‘matched giving’ program.
The West Coast Eagles Indigenous Round will take place in round eight, WCE v North Melbourne, Friday May 17. David Wirrpanda Foundation scarves and caps will be available around the ground for $20 each, with all money raised going straight to DWF youth programs.
