Sport and culture build bonds in the Top End

Personnel from HMAS Coonawarra represented Defence at one of Australia’s leading festivals of Aboriginal culture: the Barunga Festival.

Held on Jawoyn Country, just outside of Katherine in the Northern Territory, it was named for the Barunga Statement, which was handed to then Prime Minister Bob Hawke in 1988, calling for a treaty.

This year’s festival, held from June 5 to 7, was an immersion of Indigenous art, music and sports.

It provided an opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing officers and sailors to strengthen bonds with communities from across the Top End, with some personnel camping overnight and others making the fourhour journey for a day trip.

On the football field, dressed in colours representing the sea, sky and red pindan earth, a bus full of men and women from Navy and Army came together to compete as two North-West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) football teams.

It was the first time a women’s team has competed and only the second time the men’s team has played.

For Coonawarra’s PO Meg Magnusson, it was a break from her usual job as a catering manager and a unique experience to play with local teams.

“In the week leading up to Barunga, we had the opportunity to bond with our teammates while training at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre with members of AFLNT,” she said.

“During this time, we heard from Janet Baird and Michael ‘Magic’ McLean, both former AFLW and AFL stars.

“But the highlight of the week was representing the ADF and building on our ties with local neighbours and friends on the oval.

“I’ve been involved in ADF sport for many years and this was one of the best experiences. I thoroughly recommend it for anyone posted in the Northern Territory to put their hand up in 2027.”

The NORFORCE teams joined more than 40 sporting teams from across the Territory to compete in AFL, basketball and softball during the long weekend.

The community of usually 350 people transformed into a sea of thousands, with Navy personnel soaking in as much as they could from the festival, which included local markets, spear throwing, didgeridoo making and basket weaving.

As the sun set each evening, dancers and songmen from Groote Eylandt, Wugularr, Maningrida and Bulman led the traditional bungul with cultural storytelling, followed by musical performances from guests including Troy Cassar-Daly and Aria-award winner Emily Wurramara.

Organiser of the festival, Bagala Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer Jarah Maraschio, thanked Navy for its support at the record-breaking event.

“I want to extend my thanks to CAPT Alexander, other members of the ADF and the US members of the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin for attending,” Mr Maraschio said.

“We welcome the assistance of personnel.

“The pathways to meaningful and feasible employment that the ADF showcases by attending events like the Barunga Festival are invaluable.

“It was especially impressive when ADF members pulled on their guernseys and played in the men’s and women’s AFL games.

“We look forward to welcoming them back next year.”