On Wednesday 27 May, Mullewa welcomed its first Women’s Football Team with a whole of community event at the Mullewa Football Oval.
The event was coordinated by WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) in partnership with Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Sporting (GSAC) and Radio Mama, with donations made by the Honourable Lara Dalton MLA and Honourable Sandra Carr MLC.
An acknowledgement to country was provided by Wendy Merry and MC duties by Chaili Shiosaki. City of Greater Geraldton special guest Deputy Mayor Jerry Clune opened the event.
The formalities also included a speech from Paddy Walsh, co-coach of the men’s team, who presented the women’s team and their coach Denise Garlett with a framed photo of the inaugural team to be hung alongside the decades of football history in the Mullewa Recreation Centre.
The afternoon’s events highlighted the strong community spirit of Mullewa but also the strength, determination, and skill of the women of the town.
The Mullewa Women’s Football Team are heading into to their second season, which is a huge achievement.
These women are role models for everyone in the community. Not just young girls or aspiring footballers but everyone can see themselves reflected in this historic story.
The celebration included many family friendly activities. The WACRH blender bike created delicious and healthy fruit smoothies with the help of allied health students on rural placement at WACRH.
GSAC members ran sporting activities for the children. Plus, Radio Mama broadcasted live from the event and made radio stars out of the community members that they interviewed.
Ngala Midwest and Gascoyne, Geraldton Aboriginal Medical Service - Tackling Indigenous Smoking team, and the Cyclone Seroja Recovery Group also had a presence, promoting their services and supporting the team.
Gender equality is about having both men and women on a level playing field. It is essential for all of Australia, city, or country, small town or big, to work towards.
Gender equality means a safer, happier future, free from violence and discrimination. Having a woman’s football team is just one way Mullewa is representing the power of women at a local level.