The University Hawks AFC has been the pioneers of promoting the Indigenous Round of football in Townsville and has worked tirelessly over the past few years to establish a healthy relationship with the local indigenous educational facility, Shalom Christian College.
In 2014, the University Hawks AFC engaged enrolled students at Shalom Christian College to create a new and unique Indigenous inspired football jumper, one which we have worn proudly during the Indigenous Round of football each year since. The initiative was fully funded by three very generous Sponsors – Health and Wellbeing North Ward; Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland; and Play By The Rules.
Then Year 10 student Soraya Rankin’s design was chosen as the eventual winner by a panel of Shalom Elders; Club Representatives; and Sponsors. Her design incorporated the indigenous flags of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; the Hawk, which is prominent within her family culture and heritage; the waterholes where her family gathered; and the hunting boomerangs used by her family.
On the 28th of May the Indigenous Round for the Hawks will be held at Harold Phillips Oval at the Castle Hill PCYC site from 13:00 where we will take on the Hermit Park Tigers. Elders from the College will present the jumpers to the participating Hawks players prior to each of the Reserves and Seniors matches. The Hawks have extended an open invitation to all staff and students of the College to attend the match free of charge. On the day, two of our Indigenous members will be selected in the respective sides as Captain’s for the day in both grades, there will be traditional dances and a Welcome to Country to be performed at 14:30 prior to the seniors match at Harold Phillips Oval Saturday May 28th.
What: 2016 Indigenous Round match 28th of May.
When: Saturday 28th May 2014 @ 13:30 – 17:00
Where: Harold Phillips Oval (Castle Hill PCYC)
Who: University Hawks AFC; Shalom Christian College; Health and Wellbeing North Ward; Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland; Play By The Rules (Australian Sports Commission)
Click here to learn how your club can join in the AFL Indigenous Round Celebrations
