Multicultural fans get GIANT AFL experience

By Sam Canavan

The group, which ranged in age from five to 40, was given the opportunity to experience football at the highest level at Robertson Oval’s NAB Challenge match between GWS GIANTS and St Kilda.

120 of the attendees – the majority from South Sudan – came from Wagga Wagga and surrounds, with the remainder – comprised mostly of Nepalese – shuttled from Albury to the game.

“It was a very new experience for a lot of these people – some who have only been in Australia two weeks – and most of them would not have had an opportunity to attend a game if it wasn’t for the Multicultural Programs,” said AFL NSW/ACT Multicultural Programs Manager Nickie Flambouras.

“I had a lot of really fantastic feedback from those present, and they were very thankful to have such a great excursion.”

The experience was made possible by the dual Multicultural Programs running in Albury and southern NSW, the latter which is a flagship of the state’s Multicultural initiatives, which aim to educate new migrants and refugees about AFL; promoting participation, engagement, and fandom.

The Southern NSW Multicultural Program has been in progress for more than five years, with Greg Lowe and Frank Jarfoi integral in engaging the local multicultural community; introducing them to football via a six-week beginners program, facilitating game attendance, and helping participants become involved with community football.

A handful of those present at Robertson Oval play club football in Wagga Wagga, several more have expressed interest in coaching and umpiring, but all have become fans of Australia’s indigenous game, after marvelling at the speed, athleticism, and skill of the sport’s elite first-hand.

The GIANTS – who have a strong supporter base in the south of the state – were popular with many of the group, with a teenage Nepalese twosome particularly fanatical, and the multicultural punters were ecstatic to see the men in orange record a 68-point win.

Newly-announced Australia Post Multicultural Ambassador Stephen Coniglio – who comes from an Italian background – was a clear individual favourite, especially with the youngsters lining the fence, who cheered themselves hoarse before Coniglio was replaced after a quarter.

Flambouras was delighted with how the day went, and she’s enthused by the prospect of future game visits for more multicultural people.

“I think the Wagga Wagga NAB Challenge visit was a brilliantly successful day, and the richness and colour of diversity was fantastic,” Flambouras said.

“To see new migrants and refugees being exposed to the game and enjoying the atmosphere is what this program is all about, and I’m excited about trying to get a sponsor on board and grow this program, so more and more people can have these great experiences.”