‘Bombers In The Territory’ highlights the power of football in remote communities and showcases the Essendon Football Club’s important ongoing commitment to support these communities.
Six players, including Dyson Heppell and Courtenay Dempsey, visited the Tiwi Islands and Wadeye communities with Heppell describing the trip as a once in a lifetime experience.
‘It was an experience I’ll never forget,’ Heppell said
‘It certainly puts everything into perspective, given the way the indigenous communities live and the history of their culture.
“It’s amazing the way they learn from their elders and it’s just so vastly different to how I was brought up in country Victoria,” he said.
The documentary provides a wonderful portrayal of life in remote communities and further highlights the difference football has made to help prevent youth suicide and alcohol related issues in remote communities.
“The club is doing some wonderful things with Indigenous Australia and our close relationship with the Tiwi Bombers and Wadeye Magic Football Club’s is a key part of that,’ Heppell said.
“Having AFL players visit remote communities is really important and it gives the local kids something to look forward to. They love their footy and it is great we can give something back to them.”
“It was a fantastic opportunity and I’m extremely grateful that the Essendon Football Club invited me to be a part of it,”
Dyson Heppell, Courtenay Dempsey, Luke Davis, Hal Hunter, Ariel Steinberg and former player Ricky Dyson took part in the trip made possible by Antler.
Antler Managing Director Sonney Roth said he was delighted to be involved in the trip.
“Antler is proud to be a part of this fantastic documentary and to be able to help educate all Australians about the issues regarding indigenous communities,” Roth said.
“I was fortunate enough to visit Wadeye and Tiwi myself a few months ago and witness first hand how people are living in the remote communities.
“Essendon Football Club and the AFL should be congratulated for all their efforts in helping to provide a sustainable future in the communities,” he said.
The players attended a local footy carnival on the Tiwi Islands, visited Tiwi College and watched the Tiwi Bombers first game of the NTFL season in Darwin.
The trip also included a visit to the remote community of Wadeye, situated 420km south west of Darwin. The players were given a tour of the local community, including a special mud crabbing expedition in the mangroves at Fossil Head.
The players attended a Wadeye Magic training session and addressed the local players about the importance of preparation and recovery as professional footballers.
The Bombers In The Territory documentary is proudly presented by Antler Luggage and premieres on Fox Footy Channel, Wednesday night at 9.30pm.
The other scheduled broadcast times on Fox Footy Channel are:
Wed 22 May 9:30pm EST
Thu 23 May 1:00pm EST
Mon 27 May 6:00am EST
Wed 29 May 5:00pm EST
