Since entering affiliated competition in 1997 the Rumbalara Football Netball Club has become a leader in driving social inclusion across the Goulburn Valley. Rumba was honoured to be joined in this journey by the Congupna Football and Netball Club in 2007 when we held the first Unity Cup (or City Cup as it was then) as a celebration of the RFNC’s 10 years of league affiliation. It was jointly decided to continue the fixture as an annual event on Shepparton’s sporting calendar.
RFNC is a sporting hub for the region’s Indigenous community, and we welcome all people to the Club. This is fundamental to leading social inclusion and on a day-to-day basis is about the Aboriginal community hosting non-Aboriginal people in an environment that is culturally safe for Aboriginal people where strong interpersonal relationships can be built on mutual trust and respect. It is thus symbolically a very important development that this year sees the Congupna Football and Netball Club host the Unity Cup for the first time. There are many firsts this year, including the two new senior football coaches at each Club, it will be a great experience for them. Congupna will be playing to win the senior football trophy for the first time, and Rumba are playing to win the A-Grade Netball trophy for the first time. Both Clubs are looking forward to a great day, and are particularly keen to hear from Chief Commissioner of Victorian Police, Simon Overland who is the guest speaker at the President’s lunch.
Social inclusion is a theme in which Indigenous and non-Indigenous clubs and communities have a common interest. Furthermore, Shepparton has a diverse range of immigrant communities. The joint nature of this event between an Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Club, and with the support of the City of Greater Shepparton and the Ethnic Council of Shepparton makes the day a significant contribution to building the social fabric of the Goulburn Valley.
To book your tickets for the President’s lunch please RSVP to mary@dgr.net.au by 30th April.
