BENDIGO’s Aboriginal sports committee is in the midst of setting up a club to involve more members of the community in sports.
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A football and netball team could form part of the new sporting club and the community is being asked for input into how the group should be run.
Club project manager Narlinga Fitzpatrick said the committee could soon have a team playing in a local league.
She said the group would be modelled on successful clubs that had already been set up in Shepparton and Fitzroy.
“Those clubs that exist in other parts of Victoria show us that it can work, and work really well,” she said.
“They provide a range of sport and recreation activities for the local Aboriginal communities and improve health and well-being, as well as employment and education pathways.”
Ms Fitzpatrick said the group would provide a vital service to assist with the Aboriginal community.
She said there was room for growth in engaging young Aboriginal children in Bendigo in organised sports.
“We put together a netball team to play in a statewide carnival last year. Through that process, we saw there was a real gap in Bendigo,” she said.
“There’s a lot of community members wanting to participate in sports of all kinds.”
Ms Fitzpatrick said the key was to get as much community input as possible.
“The plan is to review what’s already there and see what the interests are out there and what we’ve got to work with.
“We all know how important it is to be inclusive. The opportunities are endless.”
A workshop to discuss ideas for the new club will be held at the BDAC Youth Space in Eaglehawk between 10am and 12.30pm next Friday November 30.
For further information about the workshop call Narlinga Fitzpatrick on 0409 165 308.