Old Boys Day celebrated at Jarrah Oval

Shane Herrington plays the didgeridoo during the welcome to country ceremony at last Saturday’s Old Boys Day. PHOTOS: Pam Zierk-Mahoney

DESPITE the almost blizzard type weather last Saturday, Old Boys Day at the Bulls home turf saw quite a number of spectators turn out for an afternoon of entertaining football.

Club president Matt Chapman said: “As an important part of the Old Boys Day – or Old Bulls Day – the club wished to acknowledge the passing of Tony Marley, a strong supporter and former player with the club who passed away suddenly and was in fact buried today on Saturday morning in conditions it was said were typical for Tony,” Chapman said.

“He was a supporter of the club in the early days but had never played footy before he came to Tumut, but then played for four years in reserve grade.

“So, in memory of Tony lets go out and have some fun.”

A minutes’ silence was held in respect for Tony.

A ‘Welcome to Country’ presented by Shane Herrington.

Herrington’s welcome was in recognition of NAIDOC Week which had just concluded.

He said when people from other ‘countries’ came to visit as they crossed the borders into another group’s country it required a request for permission to enter. He said the Wiradjuri people would then perform a welcome to country offering them a safe passage. Visitors had to respect the rules of the landowners’ groups.

Herrington said the same remains today and that is why a welcome to country is held.

NAIDOC week is an annual event which celebrates all aboriginal people including the Wiradjuri people of which he is a member. He explained the meaning of the Welcome to Country ceremony – and that it gives his people the chance to welcome all and showcase their cultural celebrations.

He said there were many people and places that make up this tribe. 

He paid respect to the elders both past and present.

He then presented traditional music using his didgeridoo.

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