Western Bulldogs’ indigenous trio Liam Jones, Koby Stevens and Brett Goodes headlined the most recent Nallei Jerring workshop at Victoria University Whiten Oval on Wednesday 30 April 2014.
Nallei Jerring (join and unite) is the Bulldogs’ Koorie Youth Program which aims to strengthen the culture and identity of indigenous young people from across Melbourne’s west.
This year’s program will build on the successes of the 2013 pilot which saw 32 young people engaged in various sporting, cultural and educational workshops throughout the season.
In 2014, 40 indigenous boys and girls will participate in eight workshops, covering topics such as culture and identity, role models, aspirations, leadership and of course, football.
Participants will also be given an exclusive opportunity to launch the Bulldogs inaugural indigenous round guernsey in conjunction with the Club’s round 11 clash against Fremantle.
The young people will learn from indigenous elders and role models such as Olympian Kyle Vander Kuyp, screenwriter Richard Frankland, Marngrook Football Show host Leila Gurruwiwi, author John Harms and the Bulldogs’ indigenous trio.
They will also be encouraged to share their culture and football stories through the Bulldogs’ website throughout the year, with the support of Footy Almanac writers.
The program will be run with support from the Department of Justice Koori Justice Unit, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Catholic Education Office Melbourne and the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People.
