AS part of a much-loved Sir Doug Nicholls Round tradition, Narrm has taken part in a cultural gift exchange with Waalitj Marawar.

The two teams faced each other on Whadjuk land at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon as part of the first round of the special two-week period honouring the culture and history of the league’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players.  

Following a Welcome to Country from Whadjuk Balladong Elder Vivienne Hansen, Narrm gifted a didgeridoo to Waalitj Marawar created by Ricky Mentha Senior.

Ricky is a Gunaikurnai man who has painted the didgeridoo to represent the Brataualung people of South Gippsland, the Brayakaulung people of Sale, the Brabralung people of Central Gippsland, Tatungalung people of Lakes Entrance and the Krautungalung people of the Snowy River region.  

Ricky also honours the Gunaikurnai creation story, which he said is important to acknowledge as he walks in the footsteps of his Elders and follows their journeys.

The creation story is a powerful, spiritual aspect of his cultural heritage and is fundamental for recognition and respect of the Gunaikurnai people.

Waalitj Marawar gifted Narrm a Coolamon (carrying vessel). The design represents the two teams coming together on Whadjuk Boodja to play the game we all love. 

The gift was created by First Nations students Tore Nelson, Kane and Jacob Simpson from Wesley College.