Collingwood proudly hosted the Dardi Munwurro Program’s Statewide Indigenous Men's Gathering on Thursday.

More than 300 men from across Victoria gathered on the Holden Centre oval, where a smoking and welcome ceremony was hosted by Uncle Norman Terrick.

Guests then spent their morning in the Glasshouse event space, where an open forum was held discussing leadership within the community.

“In previous years, this has been held over at Melbourne Storm, but the gathering grew so large that it was decided it would be held at Collingwood where we can host up to 500 people,” Indigenous Programs Manager Debby Lovett told Collingwood Media.

“It’s part of our Barrawarn Program, and it’s an annual event.

“The first one that was held was at Collingwood five or six years ago, so it’s great to have it back.



The ceremony took place on Olympic Park. Photo: Collingwood Media.

“It has grown momentum every year and we’re very happy to host it.

“There will be various performers today, with an open forum and various discussions around leadership, what it means to each person and other relevant current issues.

“It’s an open forum, so everyone is encouraged to get engaged and be involved, while being respectful of other people’s opinions. Everyone gets to have a say.”

Those in attendance came from various parts of Victoria, with Ballarat, Gippsland and Horsham as well as suburban Melbourne all represented.

The Dardi Munwurro Program was established in 2000, and partnered with Collingwood in 2017.



Photo: Collingwood Media.

The Program has a permanent training base at Victoria Park, and the club helps fund three residential houses used for their men’s program, which seeks to integrate people back into the community across the 16 weeks.

With AFL’s Indigenous Round only weeks away, Lovett and the Magpies have plenty planned to mark the occasion.

“We’ve got a bush tucker tasting day for the whole club, where past Olympian Kyle Vander Kuyp will be our guest speaker.

“We will also be launching our Indigenous jumpers shortly, and many of our players will be wearing painted boots, which will match the jumpers. They look fabulous.

“A lot of the men that were here today will participate in a guard of honour. There will be on-ground dancers, and Alan Thorpe, the President of the Dardi Munwurro Program, is our keynote speaker at our President’s Function.”



Photo: Collingwood Media.