The ‘Mayor’ of the Barossa Valley, ‘The Hon’ John Harms, invited me to be one of his guests for the pre-game luncheon to honour the Sir Doug Nicholls Round at the famous Brunswick St. Oval, home of the Fitzroy Football Club.
David Leydon, the President of the Fitzroy FC welcomed us and spoke of what an inspirational person Sir Doug was, the racism he faced even within the club and how Hayden Bunton, Captain and champion of the game at the time, had led the club to overhaul their attitude completely.
Two excellent Yorta Yorta women; Sheena Watt, ALP Parliament member for the Upper House in Victoria and Lauren O’Dwyer, the Junior Football Coach at Fitzroy and ALP candidate for Richmond in the forthcoming state election, were guest speakers. They spoke of what an inspiration Sir Doug was and still is to them and the broader community. They also talked about how vitally important the Treaty is, not only for First Nation’s people but for all Australians.
The food and the speeches were really great as was the company on the John Harm’s table. The meal ended in time for all to move outside to watch the smoking ceremony before the game against De La Salle. The Master of Ceremonies explained the meaning of smoking and when he finished, both teams moved by the urn and swooped the smoke onto their bodies.
It was a very impressive way to start the game.
Unfortunately that was the highlight of the day as far as I was concerned. A very strong wind whipped around the ground making conditions for both sides very hard to handle, and to be honest they didn’t handle it well. But then again, I’m watching and they are playing.
The game continued in this fashion for at least until half time. I heard a couple of lads behind me saying it was like watching E Grade Reserves. The thought of a warm home to go to got the better of me, so off I toddled for the walk home. Lib, one of the Carlton Four, texted me later that The Roy Boys got up by 7 points. I felt guilty on two counts, I came home early from the footy and I didn’t have a beer with him at the Fitzroy Bowls.
A great day thanks to John and congrats to Fitzroy Football Club for celebrating The Doug Nicholls Round in such an inclusive way. They won the footy game as well as moving into the four.
Rod Oaten
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I will second all of that, Rod.
Very lucky to score a seat next to you at lunch.
Big thanks to JTH and to the Fitzroy Footy Club.
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I knocked up these rough few paragraphs for the socials on Saturday night. I reckon they slot in well here, Rod, underneath your report.
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Sir Doug Nicholls was a Yorta Yorta man who led an incredible life. He was the first indigenous person to be appointed to a vice-regal position, as Governor of South Australia in 1976.
Already he had been immersed in the hard edged world of top flight sport in Depression era colonial Australia. He won the Nyah and Warracknabeal Gifts in 1928. And was a skilful footballer. By 1929 he was the best wingman in the VFA, playing with Northcote. In 1932 he joined Fitzroy. Here he was exposed to intolerance and racism – teammate and triple Brownlow medalist Haydn Bunton (1931, 32, 35) befriended him and ensured he was welcomed. By 1935 Doug was the first indigenous player to be selected to play footy for Victoria.
Out of footy season, Doug boxed with Jimmy Sharman’s troupe.
From 1938 Doug worked to change the Australian Constitution – to recognise Aboriginal Australians as more than flora and fauna – to recognise them as humans. This eventually happened via referendum but not until 1967.
One round of the footy season is now dedicated as Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
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Thanks to John Harms, I was lucky to be at Fitzroy today for a smoking ceremony and welcome-to-country.
And to hear from indigenous Yorta Yorta women Sheena Watt (member for northern metropolitan region, Victorian Parliament, ALP) and Lauren O’Dwyer (next ALP candidate for the seat of Richmond).
And a tight win.
Fitzroy 6.9.45
De La Selle 5.8.38
Thanks E regnans, it was great chatting to you at the luncheon. Take care, Rod
David, Heather and I echo your comments to Rod. It was a great catch-up with JTH and the great company of yourself, Rod O, Terry and Anthony. Sheena and Lauren are two inspiring Indigenous women whom I am sure will make great contributions to the people and Parliament of Victoria.
Cheers J and H