The West Coast Eagles have delivered another component of their Reconciliation Action Plan this season, introducing a Welcome to Country video to be played on ground and in all function rooms before home games.
West Coast was one of the first clubs to initiate ‘Acknowledgement to Country’ which was read by the ground announcer at all home games during the 2015 season and since round one of this year a ‘Welcome to Country’ video has been displayed on the big screen, as well as on screens in all function rooms.
Member of the West Coast Eagles inaugural team, and the club’s current Indigenous Liaison Officer, Phil ‘Magic’ Narkle, believes the ‘Welcome to Country’ is a step in the right direction for the club.
“I personally believe the club is working towards ‘Closing the Gap’ by showing their respect to our Traditional Owners and our ancestors of country by displaying ‘Welcome to Country’ at all our home games,” Narkle said.
The club launched their Reconciliation Action Plan in 2014 and last year released the second version of the plan, which was developed in collaboration with the Wirrpanda Foundation, West Coast Eagles staff and players.
West Coast Eagles player, Jamie Bennell, has been a key contributor to the RAP and says the Welcome to Country video welcomes visitors, both indigenous and non-indigenous, on a safe journey while on Noongar land.
“It’s a great initiative by the club and is something I’m very proud of,” Bennell said.
“To play this video before every home game is a great way to show our respect to our past and present elders of the traditional land.”
As well as launching the ‘Welcome to Country’ video, the club have been delivering various actions of the plan including ensuring staff are engaged in cultural learning and celebrating and participating in Reconciliation Week and the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round (previously Indigenous Round).
