To celebrate NAIDOC Week in Victoria, Alan Thorpe of Dardi Munwurro visited the club on Monday to recognise the ongoing partnership between Melbourne Storm and the Dardi Munwurro organisation.
Dardi Munwurro delivers healing and behaviour change programs tailored to Indigenous men and youth, to equip Aboriginal men to become leaders, role models and mentors within their communities.
The club supports Dardi Munwurro's annual Victorian Men's Gathering held at AAMI Park, which aims to shine a spotlight on issues facing the Indigenous community including mental health, family violence, alcohol and drugs.
Player Welfare Coordinator Peter Robinson explained the significance of NAIDOC Week (July 1 - July 7 in Victoria).
"NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee and this is an important week not only for the Indigenous community but for non-Indigenous people," he said.
"It is an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."
The club auctioned match worn Indigenous Round jerseys in May and raised over $5000, with all proceeds donated to Dardi Munwurro.
"We are really proud to be part of the Storm family," Thorpe said.
"Storm is doing more than most elite sporting clubs in terms of reaching out to the community.
"The club has always been successful on the field and that winning culture extends to every facet of the club.
"We run a lot of youth camps and this contribution will help us to guide and support young Aboriginal men as they transition into adulthood."
