Georgia Bamblett is a Proud Bangerang and Wiradjuri Woman. Passionate about making a better future for Aboriginal kids and families with Autism is my special guest this morning on Big Brekkie 3KND to yarn about the up and coming VACSAL Statewide Senior Football and Netball Carnival 2023 in partnership with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative in Torquay this weekend.
A LARGE-SCALE sporting carnival is on its way to the Surf Coast with hundreds of Victorian footballers and netballers to take part in two days of action.
The 2023 VACSAL Statewide Senior Football Netball Carnival takes place from October 7-8 at Banyul Warri Sporting Precinct on the lands of the Wadawurrung People, inviting Indigenous athletes from all over the state to participate.
VACSAL CEO and Bangerang/Wiradjuri woman Linda Bamblett said the annual carnival provides an excellent opportunity for First Nations athletes to showcase their talents in both football and netball.
“It’s also about bringing together communities from all over the state, it’s not just about sport, it’s a major cultural event that celebrates Aboriginal culture and community as well,” Ms Bamblett
said.
The event, put on by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited (VACSAL) and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, will involve 30 teams, 500 participants, and 200 volunteers, travelling from as far as Mildura to Bairnsdale.
Last year’s carnival was held in Northcote and the event has been held on Wadawurrung country in the past, but it is the first time the carnival will be held in Torquay.
“VACSAL understands the impact state-wide sporting events play in the Aboriginal community, contributing to cultural, social and emotional well-being and providing opportunities for community development,”
Ms Bamblett said. “It is acknowledged that sport and recreation are fundamental elements of Aboriginal lifestyle, and that sport has a positive impact on health, culture, and wellbeing. “The talent spectators will see at the carnival is just amazing, we’ll also have a couple former Indigenous AFL players and former top-tier netballers there too – it’s just amazing to be a part of.” A State Champion team will be crowned at the conclusion of the weekend in both sporting codes.
Entry to the carnival is free and the wider Surf Coast community is encouraged to attend throughout all weekend.
For more information on the carnival, head to www.vacsal.org.au
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd (VACSAL) is a state-wide agency that provides advice to government on a range of community development issues as well as being a major provider of extensive services to the Aboriginal community in both the metropolitan and some regional communities.
VACSAL is a community based, community controlled organisation compromising of representatives from Koorie organisations across the state. VACSAL has been instrumental in assisting the Victorian and Commonwealth Government develop policies and programs in major areas relating to the advancement of Aboriginal people, VACSAL supports and manages a number of community programs as well as providing strategic advice to Aboriginal organisations and government bodies on issues impacting on Aboriginal people.
Parts of this story by Vinnie van Oorschot.