by Bigshow82 » Fri May 24, 2013 12:45 pm
North Pines are celebrating Indigenous Week this round at home against Henley. It is also our Sponsors Day so hoping for a good turn out and a solid performance from the players.
Below is what has been put in the SAAFL Footy News, online edition.
North Pines – Indigenous Week & Club History
The Club was formed by the parents & friends of students from the Pines School at Paralowie. Their first season was a big one as they were undefeated in A7, Wayne Pitt won the A7 Flanagan Medal, and also had divisions leading goal kicker in A7 with 79 goals. Since then the Club has oscillated between Divisions 4 & 7 with two "B" Grade premierships along the way which involved Aboriginal members in some of those squads. 1995 saw the first indigenous player registered at the club; Peter Walker who since then has played a huge part not only out on the ground game day and still plays football today but his involvement in helping the football club improve our depth over the years but more importantly provides support to our indigenous group of players not only with advice but offers guidance especially to the younger players in our group. Peter Walker or better known around the place as ‘ BUDGE ‘ is a great liaison for the club and is a well-respected member
by all that is involved at the club . We currently have 3 indigenous life members qualified by the 200 games plus they’ve contributed to North Pines of which Jezza Firebrace, Peter’s brother, is one of those 3 along with Robby Benbolt who all still play today.
Peter has also played a big role within the club with sponsorship. Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative one of our key sponsors who are recognized today as a key stakeholder in Aboriginal Health. Maintaining a high profile within the Public and Private Sectors in areas such as Research, Consultancy, Policy Development and Partnerships. Rumbalara operates in a culturally appropriate and sensitive Community Controlled environment that maintains a holistic approach to service provision and emphasises the importance of Family and Community.
So inline with the AFL indigenous week I thought it would be a great opportunity to recognise the involvement at our club over the years with the current playing list involving 16 indigenous players each week and would like to invite anyone in the broader community to come down and support their contribution to Australian Rules Football this weekend at our Home Game against Henley on Andrew Smith Drive Parafield Gardens , there will be a stand of guard between the A and B grade games where our Brothers will stand united with an indigenous tribal dance from a member of their community.
Many thanks for your support.
Phil Furner – B grade Coach