Roosters celebrate NAIDOC Week

Author: Sydney Roosters
Timestamp: Wed 17 Jul 2019, 01:30 PM

The Sydney Roosters celebrated NAIDOC Week by hosting the annual Arthur Beetson Family Day on the Central Coast.

Using the power of rugby league, the event honoured one of the Club’s all-time greats and the first Indigenous Captain of Australia, Arthur Beetson.

Held in conjunction with The Glen Centre’s Community Day, the event brought over 1,000 community members, local service providers, community partners and sponsors together for a NAIDOC celebration.

The Sydney Roosters are proud to provide ongoing support to The Glen Centre, which is the only male specific Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre for Indigenous and non-Indigenous males on the Central Coast.

Highlights of the Arthur Beetson Family Day included a Junior Rugby League Clinic for over 100 boys and girls, the Welcome to Country, cultural performances, arts and crafts, jumping castles and giveaways.

Cooking demonstrations by The Wholesome Collective provided community members with recipes and tips for making healthy, nutritional meals.

NRL Game Development, Bungree Aboriginal Association, Bunnings, Yerrin Medical Services, Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, Job Centre Australia and the Benevolent Society were among the many providers present on the day.

Roosters players Simaima Taufa, Matt Ikuvalu and Zane Tetevano used the celebration as an opportunity to provide advice to young rugby league players.

“I just love coming back here and hanging out with the kids, throwing the football around and teaching them skills that I know that can help them,” said Central Coast product Matt Ikuvalu.

For the second consecutive year, Sydney Roosters sponsor Ward Civil also provided a FREE BBQ breakfast and lunch to all attendees.

Ward Civil staff adopted an ‘all hands on deck’ policy in preparation for the event, by preparing and cooking an incredible 250 kgs of sausages and onions for the community.