Collingwood AFL and AFLW players, staff and members of the Board have travelled to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory as part of the Club’s ongoing commitment to cultural learning and community engagement.
Tennant Creek, situated 500km north of Alice Springs, lies within Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy (NGA) zone with this program focussing on fostering meaningful connection, deepening understanding and working Side by Side with the local community.
Collingwood acknowledges that this program takes place on the lands of the Warumungu people on Patta land and the Club has engaged with Traditional Owners and Elders in the local area to foster a meaningful relationship that drives positive and impactful community outcomes.
This immersion brings together 36 representatives from across the Club for a four-night stay in Central Australia. Those attending include Vice-President Jodie Sizer, Director Barry Carp, AFL Senior Coach Craig McRae, AFL Captain Darcy Moore, AFLW Vice Captain Jordyn Allen, newly listed AFL players, AFLW players and members of staffCollingwood Cultural Development Manager Leon Davis said:
“This program provides an incredible opportunity for many at Collingwood to listen and learn from the Tennant Creek community and to immerse ourselves in the culture of the Warumungu people. As a Club, we believe in the importance of understanding the broader community we represent and this experience will help shape what it means to be a Collingwood person. Tennant Creek holds a special place for all at Collingwood and this program shows a genuine want from our Club to lead with respect, listen and learn from the community.”
AFL Captain Darcy Moore echoed Davis’ sentiments, emphasising the value of cultural education:
“Creating strong, inclusive and culturally aware players and staff is at the heart of our programs and the wider Club. This cultural immersion allows many at our Club to gain a deeper understanding of the Tennant Creek community. It’s about learning, growing and hopefully making a positive impact.”
AFLW Vice Captain Jordyn Allen said:
“This cultural immersion program is about way more than football; it’s about connection, deep listening, education, and leadership and we are grateful to the Warumungu community for welcoming us and allowing us to learn through this experience.”
The Cultural Immersion in Tennant Creek reaffirms Collingwood’s value of Do Better and its commitment to learning and leading with purpose.
