MANY CULTURES ONE GAME

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1 MANY CULTURES ONE GAME West Coast ruckman NIC NAITANUI is one of 11 Australia Post AFL multicultural ambassadors. His journey from young draftee to AFL superstar has not been easy, but he is appreciative of the support he has received from his community, his family and the game of Australian Football. B role model: West Coast star and AFL multicultural ambassador Nic Naitanui was a big hit with fans at a community football day at Nollamara in Perth. eing a multicultural ambassador for the AFL is one of the greatest and most fulfilling things in my life. Like most of the ambassadors, I see it as a real opportunity to make a difference and to have an impact. I know in my own childhood, as someone who was a little different to most other kids, footy was a great integration tool for me. Hopefully, with an even more diverse society now, I can help kids belong. I was born in Sydney, but my father died when I was one. My mother s brother had met some Australians in Fiji who were working in the mines and they encouraged him to come across to this place called Perth. He ended up flying up to Karratha 25 years ago as one of the early fly in/fly out workers. We basically looked after his house while he worked up north and stayed with his family before moving into our own place in Busby St, Midvale. There is a small Fijian community in Perth so everyone was pretty close, but when we found our own house, that s when we lived next to Michael Walters and Chris Yarran. I started playing footy out the front of their house in my primary school years. When I first started playing, kids were not used to seeing someone like me playing footy. I didn t have the dreadies in those days, but I did have a little fro. There were a lot of indigenous kids in the team, but I was the only skinny Fijian kid. I didn t have any boots and just played in runners. Footy was good for me, but we also maintained our Fijian links. I caught up with my cousins and the rest of our little community, making sure we kept in touch with our culture and traditions. Our families made sure we were in touch with that and how it worked. We still do that now, although we have a choice rather than being dragged along. Having said that, I really enjoy those gatherings because it is important to stay in touch with your roots. Some of the things we do include cooking our meals in the traditional methods in the ground. It s called a lovo, cooking food underground. It s about knowing how to light the fire, heat the rocks and wrapping food in banana leaves. Speaking the language is also important. All my family spoke Fijian at home, but when my friends came over, I made sure my mum spoke English because we were living in Australia, not Fiji. Our place was a bit of a drop-in centre. All the kids from the neighbourhood came in. Mum s a really good cook, so the local kids would come over and have fish and coconuts at our place, and then we would go over to their place for a barbecue steak and sausages! I have been fortunate in my role as an AFL multicultural ambassador because it has taken me back to Footy was a great integration tool for me nic naitanui Fiji, as well as Tonga and South Africa, and I got to meet people in Cambodia and the United States. One of the players I met in the US was Eric Wallace, who is now with North Melbourne. Speaking to various groups is also a highlight; I was fortunate to meet a team made up of Israelis and Palestinians who were playing together. There are a massive amount of migrants to this country and it is great to speak with Sudanese, Afghans and Middle Eastern people and a buzz to see them playing football. Australian Football can be massive for their integration into society. I know it was for me. After the weekend, all Aussie kids talk about is footy. It is a conversation starter with school mates and helps to create friendships. I have also been up north, to a few remote communities which is good. I get to mentor a fair few different groups, not only on-field but off-field as well. It gives them a role model they can identify with and hopefully aspire towards. It helps to grow the game, which is the main thing. One day it would be great to see Australian Football played globally and hopefully we build on the game between St Kilda and Sydney that was played in this year. I will probably be too old when that happens, but I would be proud to see our game evolved to that stage. 7

2 STRENGTHENING TIES VITAL ROLE: The AFL s multicultural ambassadors represent some of the many diverse backgrounds in football. The AFL announced this week Australia Post will be extending its partnership with the AFL Multicultural Program for an additional four years. Australia Post will become the AFL s partner of the Multicultural Program, which includes the Multicultural Schools Programs, Schools Letter Writing Program and Multicultural Ambassador Program, and the AFL Community Camps. AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said the AFL is proud to strengthen its partnership with Australia Post. Australian Football has the extraordinary power to bring people together regardless of their background and Australia Post is an organisation which also values the importance of connecting people and communities, including multicultural communities, he said. Australia Post managing director and CEO Ahmed Fahour said the organisation was proud to continue to work with the AFL to build a more tolerant and inclusive society. Our workforce reflects the true diversity of Australia with 138 different nationalities working at Australia Post, Fahour said. Inclusiveness and diversity are at the heart of both our workforce and the work we do every day across Australia. We believe sport, and in particular AFL, is a great way to bring people together in their community through participation and volunteering. AFL multicultural ambassadors In 2013, the Australia Post AFL multicultural ambassador program has expanded to include 11 ambassadors. Greater Western Sydney s Setanta O hailpin and Port Adelaide s Alipate Carlile have joined AFL multicultural ambassadors Nic Naitanui, Leigh Montagna, Bachar Houli, Joel Wilkinson, David Rodan, Harry O Brien, Karmichael Hunt, Majak Daw and Ahmed Saad in representing some of the many diverse backgrounds in football. The 11 multicultural ambassadors play an important role in encouraging individuals and communities to unite through their passion for Australia s game, AFL head of diversity Jason Mifsud said. The multicultural ambassadors have played a leading role in the AFL s Multicultural Round. AFL Multicultural Ambassadors roles: West Coast Eagles Nic Naitanui (Fijian) works part-time at the WAFC, supporting the ongoing development of the WA multicultural strategy, talent academy and international development. The ambassadors encourage communities to unite through Australia s game JASON MIFSUD Richmond s Bachar Houli (Lebanese/Muslim) works part-time at AFL House, developing the Bachar Houli Islamic schools program in Victoria, NSW and WA, with the aim to engage more than 30,000 students. Gold Coast Suns Joel Wilkinson (Nigerian) works part-time with AFL Queensland, focusing on the Queensland Multicultural Schools Program, and is a mentor to the Talent Academy. Melbourne s David Rodan (Fijian) works with the AFL, promoting Cultural Diversity week, the Unity Cup and the Boots 4 All campaign, as well as a talent mentor. Collingwood s Harry O Brien (Brazilian) is developing a multicultural program that engages refugees, Community Ticketing program, as well as supporting the diversity social media strategy. North Melbourne s Majak Daw (Sudanese) works with AFL Victoria on engaging players from diverse backgrounds in the Majak Daw Academy, as well as working on cultural awareness projects. St Kilda s Ahmed Saad (Egyptian/Muslim) works with AFL Victoria on engaging players from diverse backgrounds in the Ahmed Saad Academy, as well as delivering cultural awareness sessions to the AFL industry. Gold Coast Suns Karmichael Hunt (Cook Island/Samoan) supports and performs ambassadorial roles across AFL multicultural programs. Port Adelaide s Alipate Carlile (Fijian) works part-time with the SANFL, supporting the ongoing development of the SA multicultural strategy, talent academy and facilitates cultural education sessions to community football clubs. St Kilda s Leigh Montagna (Italian) works part-time at AFL House, focusing on multicultural, social and ethnic media strategies and development of the multicultural mentoring program. Greater Western Sydney s Setanta O hailpin (Irish) works with the NSW Multicultural Talent Academy, as well as mentoring to multicultural participants in the talent pathway. 8

3 Spreading the word NICK BOWEN This weekend s Multicultural Round celebrates the increasingly diverse make-up of the AFL and Australian Football under the banner Many Cultures, One Game. AFL head of diversity Jason Mifsud said this week Multicultural Round highlighted the contribution multicultural communities have made to Australian Football and the inroads AFL community engagement initiatives have made in those communities. It is important the AFL reflects cultural diversity, providing an environment which welcomes people from all backgrounds to enjoy our game as supporters, players or administrators in the future, Mifsud said. Players from multicultural backgrounds make up 15 per cent of AFL player lists, while AFL multicultural ambassadors such as Bachar Houli and Majak Daw continue to take the game to new people. Houli has been shortlisted in the social inclusion category at this This gives me the oportunity to celebrate my culture MAJAK DAW cultural diversity: Multicultural ambassadors Bachar Houli and Majak Daw are helping take the game to new fans. year s Beyond Sport Awards for his work with the Bachar Houli Islamic Program, an inter-school football competition involving 30 Islamic schools throughout Australia. The Richmond half-back s fellow nominees include the National Football League, the International Table Tennis Federation, USA Swimming and US Hockey, with the winner to be announced in Philadelphia in September. It is a huge honour to be shortlisted out of 350 organisations worldwide, Houli said. What it goes to show is that the work that I m doing currently within the community is showing a huge impact and is going places. Daw launched the Majak Daw Academy on Monday, which will provide development opportunities for multicultural players in Melbourne s west. Multicultural Round gives us the opportunity to celebrate the true demographics of Australia and Melbourne especially, the North Melbourne big man said. Just looking at the indigenous guys at my footy club like Lindsay Thomas and Daniel Wells, they get to celebrate their Indigenous Round and this round gives me the opportunity to celebrate my culture, where I ve come from and my heritage. BLUES CHAMP HELPS UNITE YOUNGSTERS Kouta on world stage Former Carlton star Anthony Koutoufides has become a world leader as he takes on the job of coaching the World Team at the 2013 NAB AFL Under-16 Championships in Sydney. The 2013 squad will showcase the skills of talented international youngsters from South Africa,, Ireland and Denmark. The World Team also includes the best up-and-coming AFL multicultural players from across the nation, including Damendeep Ajula, a talented young midfielder who is a member of the Ahmed Saad Squad. Ajula was born in to Indian and Samoan parents and has benefited from his time with the squad, which is an AFL Victoria initiative designed to help more young players from multicultural backgrounds make their way on to TAC Cup lists. The under-16 championships kicked off last weekend and continue over the AFL s Multicultural Round. The World Team is competing against the South Pacific, the Flying Boomerangs and WA North-West. The World Team provides international and multicultural AFL players with elite training, personal development and AFL talent pathway opportunities, Koutoufides said. Coming from a Greek and Italian background, I am excited to have been given the opportunity to coach the World Team. The World Team plays a key role in the AFL international and multicultural growth strategy. The AFL s Kevin Sheehan, Chris Johnson, Michael Ablett and Darren Flanigan selected the World team squad of 26 players. The selection process was vast and extensive, with many players considered from across the globe. Multicultural players from across Australia were selected following the National Multicultural Talent camp held in Victoria in May. ON TOP OF THE WORLD: Members of the World Team at this week s NAB AFL Under-16 AFL Championships in Sydney. The team won its opening game. 10

4 The Australia Post AFL Multicultural team of CHAMPIONS Australian Football Hall of Fame Legends Jock McHale and Alex Jesaulenko have been named coach and captain respectively of the Australia Post AFL Multicultural Team of Champions. The team comprises the period and, to be considered for selection, players must have been born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas. AFL deputy CEO Gillon McLachlan said the Multicultural Team of Champions has been chosen to recognise the achievement of players from multicultural backgrounds. John Worsfold () Stephen Silvagni (Italy) Matthew Scarlett () BACKS Wayne Schwass () Glen Jakovich (Croatia) Anthony Koutoufides (Italy/Greece) HALF-BACKS Robert DiPierdomenico (Italy) Ian Stewart (Italy) peter Matera (Italy) centres This team celebrates multicultural talent AFL DEPUTY CEO gillon mclachlan Multicultural players have made an enormous contribution to the history of Australia s game and, importantly, this team celebrates multicultural talent and diversity in the AFL, McLachlan said. The team was revealed at a lunch on Tuesday where Australia Post managing director and CEO Ahmed Fahour announced that Australia Post will be extending its partnership with the AFL to become the exclusive partner of the AFL Multicultural program for an additional four years. Australia Post is proud to continue to work with the AFL to build a more tolerant and inclusive society, Fahour said. Our workforce reflects the true diversity of Australia with more than 134 different nationalities working at Australia Post. Inclusiveness and diversity are at the heart of both our workforce and the work we do every day across Australia. We believe sport, and in particular AFL, is a great way to bring people together in their community through participation and volunteering. IC: Alex Jesaulenko (Ukraine/Russia) Nick Riewoldt (Germany) Dermott Brereton (Ireland) Allan La Fontaine (France) Charlie H. Pannam (Greece) Saverio Rocca (Italy) Jim Stynes (Ireland) HALF-forwards Peter Bell (Korea) alastair Lynch () Peter Daicos (Macedonia) forwards Roy Cazaly (/) Simon Black () Daniel Kerr (India) Selection panel AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou, Australia Post managing director and CEO Ahmed Fahour, AFL general manager national and international development Andrew Dillon, Carlton coach Mick Malthouse, Seven Network commentator Dennis Cometti, AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheehan and AFL historian Col Hutchinson. Download the ipad edition of the AFL Record from the App Store now for extra content. rucks Coach: Jock McHale (Irish) Captain: Alex Jesaulenko (Ukraine/Russia) 12

5 Multicultural Round activities The AFL Community Ticketing Initiative will see more than 17,000 people from multicultural community groups and Australia Post given the chance to attend their first AFL match during Multicultural Round. AFL matches held at the MCG and Etihad Stadium will feature entertainment on the concourse, supported by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, including Chinese Lion Dance, Bollywood Dance and West African drumming, as well as arts and craft such as face painting and interactive sand art to celebrate Multicultural Round. AFL goal umpires will use orange flags. Orange is the international colour of harmony. AFL players from multicultural backgrounds will toss the coin. Hong Kong Auskickers take to MCG NAB AFL Auskick matches during Multicultural Round will feature multicultural and international players. A group of Auskickers from Hong Kong will make the journey to Melbourne to play at half-time of the Carlton v St Kilda game at the MCG. Born in Hong Kong, Max Wong is among the group and was lucky enough to meet St Kilda small forward and Australia Post AFL Multicultural ambassador Ahmed Saad this week. Auskickers from Vanuatu will also be making the journey across the Pacific Ocean to play at the Gabba during the Brisbane Lions v North Melbourne game. NAB AFL Auskick programs are running across the globe, including in major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur. Singapore boasts the largest Auskick centre abroad, with flying visit: Hong Kong youngster Max Wong meets Saint Ahmed Saad. Our great game is bringing people together THE AFL S ANDREW DILLON almost 300 Auskickers enrolled in the program. The Auskick centre in Ho Chi Minh City has players from all over the world. Children from Sweden, Costa Rica, Canada, Indonesia, Philippines, Norway and France are all playing Australia s game in the heart of Vietnam. It is really exciting to see NAB AFL Auskick grow not only in Australia, but overseas as well, AFL general manager of national and international game development Andrew Dillon said. Auskick is an inclusive and educational program for boys and girls and it is fantastic to know that no matter where you are in the world, our great game is bringing people together. Half-time NAB AFL Auskick will include children from multicultural backgrounds. Multicultural students from AMES, who have been supported by North Melbourne, Richmond, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs multicultural programs, will play on the MCG in a Cadbury AFL 9s match at half-time of the Collingwood v Adelaide game. The African Academy, supported by Collingwood, will play the CMY Refugee Minor & ICV combined team, supported by Melbourne, at the MCG in a Cadbury AFL 9s match at half-time of the Collingwood v Adelaide game. Multicultural Unity Cup curtain-raiser to Western Bulldogs v Essendon game at Etihad Stadium. Diafrix, a Melbourne-based, African-born hip-hop duo, will perform at the Western Bulldogs v Essendon match. A joint initiative between the AFL and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will see embassy and consular staff attend AFL matches during Multicultural Round, representing more than 30 countries, including Turkey, Spain, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Nauru, Bangladesh and Egypt. Establishment of a permanent multi-faith room within the Gabba. AFL Victoria will celebrate Multicultural Round at the VFL game between Werribee Tigers and Casey Scorpions at Avalon Oval, Werribee, on Sunday, with African and Burmese dancers, international food stalls and NAB AFL Auskick and Cadbury AFL 9s games, featuring multicultural participants. 14

6 AFL Multicultural players Player player born MOTHER born father born Adelaide Ben Rutten Holland Brodie Smith Nathan van Berlo Brisbane LIONS Mitch Golby Pearce Hanley Wales Ireland Ryan Harwood Ryan Lester South Africa Matthew Leuenberger Switzerland Nial McKeever Ireland Ireland Ireland Simon Black Sam Docherty Jordan Bourke Dayne Zorko Carlton Shaun Hampson Yugoslavia Zach Tuohy Ireland Ireland Ireland Collingwood Alan Didak Croatia Croatia Harry O'Brien Brazil Brazil Democratic Republic of Congo Steele Sidebottom Caolan Mooney Ireland Ireland Ireland Marley Williams Ben Hudson Jordan Russell Tim Broomhead Canada Martin Clarke Ireland Ireland Ireland Essendon David Zaharakis Sean Gregory Mark Baguley Fremantle Zac Clarke Garrick Ibbotson Chris Mayne Tendai Mzungu Alex Silvagni Clancee Pearce Hayden Crozier Anthony Morabito Geelong Jordan Schroder India India Italy Greece USA Zimbabwe Sri Lanka Billie Smedts Holland Cam Eardley Gold Coast Tom Nicholls Danny Stanley Joel Wilkinson Aaron Hall Fiji Fiji Daniel Gorringe Yugoslavia David Swallow Holland Greg Broughton Karmichael Hunt Cook Islands Samoa GWS Phil Davis Setanta O'hAilpin Fiji Ireland Lachie Whitfield Rhys Palmer Aidan Corr Ireland Ireland Stephen Coniglio Hawthorn Josh Gibson Barbados David Hale Holland Alex Woodward Philippines Player player born MOTHER born father born Sam Mitchell Paul Puopolo Italy Shane Savage Liam Shiels Ireland Melbourne Max Gawn Jack Watts David Rodan Fiji Fiji Tonga Nathan Stark James Magner Ireland Ireland Nth Melb Liam Anthony Majak Daw Sudan South Sudan South Sudan Michael Firrito Italy Italy Andrew Swallow Holland Ben Speight Port Adelaide Alipate Carlile Fiji Fiji Cameron O'Shea Ireland Jasper Pittard Paul Stewart Mason Shaw Oliver Wines Papua New Guinea Aaron Young Brent Renouf Richmond Jake Batchelor Wales Reece Conca Italy Nick Vlastuin Papua New Guinea Cadeyn Williams Canada Matt McDonough Bachar Houli Lebanon Lebanon Ivan Maric Croatia Croatia Robin Nahas Lebanon Lebanon Aaron Edwards Western Samoa Western Samoa Ben Darrou Morocco St Kilda Jason Blake Poland Farren Ray Nick Riewoldt Germany Ahmed Saad Egypt Egypt James Gwilt Papua New Guinea Wales Cameron Shenton Trent Dennis-Lane Burma Sydney Heath Grundy Nick Malceski Macedonia Jarrad McVeigh Dane Rampe Germany Brandon Jack Matthew Dick Mike Pyke Canada Tommy Walsh Ireland Ireland Ireland West Coast Bradd Dalziell Jack Darling South Africa Andrew Embley Burma Daniel Kerr India Nick Naitanui Fiji Fiji Brant Colledge France Mark Nicoski Croatia Macedonia Western Bulldogs Patrick Veszpremi Hungary Jason Johannisen South Africa Zambia South Africa Alex Greenwood Philippines Lin Jong Taiwan East Timor Nathan Hrovat Croatia Daniel Pearce Holland 16