A squad of 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, aged between 18 and 24 years, are visiting Rottnest Island today as part of a week-long camp in Perth.
The participants, from across the country, are taking part in a range of activities as part of the 2019 AFL Rio Tinto Footy Means Business program.
On Rottnest Island, the participants will take part in cultural activities including a welcome to country, smoking ceremony and Aboriginal heritage tour, before a training session on the sports oval and swim at the iconic Basin beach.
They will also have an opportunity to interact with the West Coast Eagles’ 2018 Premiership Cup, with several West Coast Eagles’ players and coaching staff visiting the island with the support of the Rottnest Island Authority.
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“A lot of fantastic work has been undertaken by the AFL Rio Tinto Footy Means Business program over the last nine years, and the McGowan Government is pleased to support their visit to Rottnest.
“This is a great opportunity for these young men to interact with a successful sports club like the West Coast Eagles, before enjoying their own training session in a picturesque island location.
“These visits also encourage participants to learn more about the local Aboriginal heritage and history of Wadjemup.”
