The first ever Miya Birrang Wiradjuri Cultural & Sports Festival was held on January 26 with some of the region’s best touch footballers on display.
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The festival attracted around 500 people to Ted Scobie Oval with more than 20 teams in attendance. Players from Griffith, Narrandera, Canberra, Wagga and Albury were represented.
Ronnie Bamblett helped organise the event – with the rest of the Frogs Hollow Yindyamarra committee – and despite a few teething problems, he said the event was well received.
“It went pretty good. We had a few hiccups but that’s just trial and error,” Mr Bamblett said.
“I’ve been getting positive feedback in the community and from surrounding towns about how wonderful it was.
“I’ve even had people from other towns ringing up and saying ‘Sorry we missed out this time but we can’t wait for next year and we will focus on getting there’.”
The Riverina Warriors were the most dominant side on the day.
They took out the under 12s division as well as the unisex and mens open divisions.
Both open sides pocketed $800 each for winning their respective divisions along with a trophy and their names on the shield.
Griffith didn’t finish without any glory as the Frogs Hollow side took out the under 8s division.
Mr Bamblett described the day as a ‘modern day corroboree’ and an incredible chance for the community to come together on such a significant day.
The committee member was already looking towards next year’s event which he hoped would be able to grow on the back of the success of this year’s event.
“All the teams said they'll be back next year and hopefully it will be bigger and better,” Mr Bamblett said.
“Next year we might be looking to opening registration up to the whole community. It would stay as the Miya Birrang Festival but make it like a reconciliation cup type of thing.”
Mr Bamblett thanked a large group of people for helping make the day happen.
He thanked the Griffith Touch Association, Griffith City Council, Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service, Maldahnalanga, the Frogs Hollow committee and all community members who donated their time.
Mr Bamblett made special mention of Candy Kilby, Nick Altin and Sharon Foster for their hard work.