Latest news with #AuntyJoyMurphyWandin
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Footy fans blast Melbourne Storm's 'effing poor' replacement for Welcome to Country as one detail leaves them furious: 'I want a refund on my membership'
Football fans have been left fuming after the Melbourne Storm offered up a watered-down Acknowledgement to Country to kick off the NRL Indigenous Round on Thursday night. The round began with the Storm delivering an Acknowledgement of Country instead of a Welcome to Country before their 22-2 win over Brisbane. Unlike Welcomes, Acknowledgements can be performed by a non-Indigenous person. The move came after the club cancelled the Welcome to Country just hours before its Anzac Day clash with South Sydney. Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin, who was meant to perform that Welcome, said she and Victoria's Wurundjeri people will not work with the club for any official or cultural events. She was furious over a Storm board member's links to Advance Australia, a political lobby group she claims promotes racial division. The club apologised earlier this week for the Anzac Day cancellation but confirmed only an Acknowledgement would be held before Thursday's game. Some viewers thought the Acknowledgement of Country was the same as a Welcome to Country and were left fuming. 'So the storm have gone back on their no more welcome to country promise, will have to ask for a refund on my membership,' one posted on social media. 'I deliberately changed channel's so didn't have to acknowledge anything,' commented another. Others saw the ceremony as a weaker version of the Welcome to Country. 'Storm had the opportunity to make up for the cancellation of the welcome to country from Anzac round, they decided to do this? P*** f***ing poor,' one posted to X. Some were more extreme in their views following the ANZAC Day decision. 'Melbourne Storm can f*** right off with their indigenous round welcome to country,' one fumed. 'Not only did owners back no vote, they cancelled welcome to country ANZAC day, they also have zero indigenous players on their roster.' The fact that the Storm chose to broadcast the Acknowledgement of Country on the big screen, rather than feature a live ceremony, also created division. 'It was as it should be, Indigenous Round just recognising past and present Indigenous players, none of the WTC dribble acted out by an auntie or uncle. Great work melbourne storm, you got it right as usual,' one footy fan commented. 'Great Acknowledgement. But would have preferred a Welcome on ground,' another viewer said. 'Easy to ignore if it's just on a screen,' added another, tongue firmly in cheek. 'I deliberately changed channel's so didn't have to acknowledge anything,' another fan posted. 'I don't care how it's done. I won't acknowledge it,' added yet another. The furious statement from Aunty Joy would have been the last thing NRL CEO Andrew Abdo was hoping for when he launched Indigenous Round on Tuesday. Aunty Joy's broadside at the club came after it was revealed Storm board member Brett Ralph had donated $175,000 to Advance Australia through his JMR Management Consultancy Services company. Advance Australia campaigned against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, supports Aboriginal politicians Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Warren Mundine, and stands against what it calls 'out-of-control' immigration policies. 'I carry a deep responsibility to community and will not compromise my integrity as a proud Aboriginal woman and community Elder,' Aunty Joy said. 'We cannot support an organisation that has associations with any group that incites racial vilification and division. 'We are willing to continue to work with Melbourne Storm to address the deep community concerns but cannot endorse any official functions or cultural work until measures are put in place to ensure cultural respect and safety for all.'
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Elder Aunty Joy refuses to work with the Melbourne Storm over WTC drama
The NRL's Indigenous Round commences on Thursday night and that means Welcome to Country ceremonies are right back in the spotlight. Whenever dedicated rounds commence that feature the ceremonies, including Indigenous rounds in various codes or Anzac Day fixtures, fierce debate can be sure to follow. The Melbourne Storm became embroiled in a Welcome to Country furore for their Anzac clash this year, with Aboriginal Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin releasing a statement on Thursday that she still won't work with the club for 'any official functions or cultural work'. The Storm kick-off Indigenous Round against the Broncos at AAMI Park. Meanwhile, a leading Indigenous voice in rugby league media has put his support behind the Welcome to Country ceremonies, saying they have become 'politicised for no reason'. The Storm confirmed earlier this week an Acknowledgement of Country would be held at AAMI Park before Thursday's game against Brisbane. Melbourne also issued a formal apology for cancelling its planned Welcome to Country for its match against the Rabbitohs on Anzac Day, which caused distress among the Wurundjeri People. The move followed booing at a Welcome to Country ceremony during a Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne earlier that day. 'The club extends that apology to First Nations and Maori and Pasifika communities impacted,' the Storm said. 'Indigenous Round presents the opportunity to not only honour the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players who have worn the purple jersey, but also the club's commitment to creating an environment that respects and celebrates First Nations cultures — not just during Indigenous Round, but throughout the year.' While Aunty Joy will attend the match, she won't be taking part in any official duties with the club until certain measures are put in place. 'This is about the (Melbourne) board, not the game. This is about setting a standard not just for Melbourne Storm but across all sporting codes,' Aunty Joy said. 'I will always stand strong beside community and as a leader take responsibility to care for those who hurt badly. 'I carry a deep responsibility to community and will not compromise my integrity as a proud Aboriginal woman and community Elder. 'We cannot support an organisation that has associations with any group that incites racial vilification and division. 'We are willing to continue to work with Melbourne Storm to address the deep community concerns, but cannot endorse any official functions or cultural work until measures are put in place to ensure cultural respect and safety for all. 'While I will not do this officially tonight, I will be there to offer strength, healing and cultural safety, I do this with honour for our people, respect for what we have been given, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, healing with purpose.' The Storm was dragged into the spotlight during the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum when it was reported club director Brett Ralph was responsible for a $75,000 donation to 'Advance Australia' — one of the loudest organisations that campaigned against the 'yes' vote. Speaking to Fox League reporter Jake Duke, a proud Kamolaroi man, said it was 'essential' Welcome to Country ceremonies were held at major events like Indigenous Round and Anzac Day. 'The Storm always said they planned to do it for major events and when it felt warranted, that's their decision,' Duke said. 'Personally I think Anzac Day is one of those major events — celebrating the country we live in and the First Nations people of our country and acknowledging them on days like that. 'Especially when you consider a lot of Indigenous people fought in those wars for a country that didn't even recognise them fully. 'But that's beside the point. That's the Storm's prerogative. They can decide what they want to do.' Following the late cancellation of the Welcome to Country for the Storm match in April, more questions were asked about the private dealings of powerful co-owner Ralph. The Melbourne businessman's position on the club's board of directors was cast into the spotlight at the time, although he retains that position today. Murphy, who has performed the Welcome to Country at various Melbourne events for many years, said at the time her 'heart's broken' over the move. That was followed by public comments by Storm chairman Matt Tripp, who said the situation left him 'disappointed beyond words'. The Storm then fielded questions about any potential impact Ralph had in the club's policy on Welcome to Country ceremonies. Rapper Adam Briggs, a lifelong supporter of the club and an advocate for the 'yes' vote in the referendum, said at the time he was cutting ties with the Storm because he felt the club's values no longer aligned with his. The Storm publicly stated as an organisation it supported the Voice to Parliament proposal, but Ralph's private actions suggest he did not feel the same way. The Storm said in a statement at the time Ralph had never used the club to promote his views and said Ralph was entitled to his private opinions. While Welcome to Country ceremonies have divided opinion in Australia in recent years, Duke said there's no reason for them to be so controversial. 'Personally, I think Welcome to Country's are important and they're something that's become politicised for no reason,' Duke said. 'It's a two-minute ceremony to acknowledge the fact that we're on Aboriginal land, sovereignty was never ceded, it was taken. 'If that's the least people can do to acknowledge that, I don't think that's too much to ask. 'Yes, obviously on a round like this, I think it's essential.'
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Elder's NRL return after Welcome to Country heartbreak
An Aboriginal elder who was left "broken-hearted" after Melbourne Storm cancelled her planned Welcome to Country on Anzac Day will make a return to the NRL despite ongoing conflict with the club's board. Wurundjeri woman Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin said she will attend Thursday night's Indigenous round to show support for the players, staff, communities despite holding disappointment and lack of resolution. Aunty Joy condemned the club's association with a standing board member, who has links to conservative lobby group Advance Australia. "I carry a deep responsibility to community and will not compromise my integrity as a proud Aboriginal woman and community Elder," she said in a statement. Board director Brett Ralph, via his company JMR Management Consultancy Services, reportedly donated $225,000 to Advance Australia, a group that campaigned for the no vote in the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum. Aunty Joy said she "cannot support an organisation that has associations with any group that incites racial vilification and division". It comes months after Aunty Joy was scheduled to perform the Welcome to Country at AAMI Park, but was told she was no longer needed. "We would dearly love to be out there, but they've broken our hearts," she said at the time. The cancellation came after several people interrupted the Welcome to Country at a Melbourne dawn service. Although the club later apologised and asked her to proceed, she and two First Nations groups chose to cancel their performances amid the confusion. Aunty Joy on Thursday expressed disappointment that no resolution was able to be reached with the club. "This is about the board not the game. This is about setting a standard not just for Melbourne Storm but across all sporting codes," Aunty Joy said. "While I will not do this officially tonight, I will be there to offer strength, healing and cultural safety, I do this with honour for our people, respect for what we have been given, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, healing with purpose." Melbourne Storm issued a statement on Monday, confirming there had been "ongoing communication" with members of the Wurundjeri community following the events on Anzac Day. The club apologised to the individuals, groups, and communities involved. "As we continue to engage with the local community regarding connection to the club and cultural protocols and out of respect for those involved, the club will recognise the Traditional Owners of the land through an acknowledgement of country on Thursday night for Indigenous Round," the statement read. An Aboriginal elder who was left "broken-hearted" after Melbourne Storm cancelled her planned Welcome to Country on Anzac Day will make a return to the NRL despite ongoing conflict with the club's board. Wurundjeri woman Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin said she will attend Thursday night's Indigenous round to show support for the players, staff, communities despite holding disappointment and lack of resolution. Aunty Joy condemned the club's association with a standing board member, who has links to conservative lobby group Advance Australia. "I carry a deep responsibility to community and will not compromise my integrity as a proud Aboriginal woman and community Elder," she said in a statement. Board director Brett Ralph, via his company JMR Management Consultancy Services, reportedly donated $225,000 to Advance Australia, a group that campaigned for the no vote in the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum. Aunty Joy said she "cannot support an organisation that has associations with any group that incites racial vilification and division". It comes months after Aunty Joy was scheduled to perform the Welcome to Country at AAMI Park, but was told she was no longer needed. "We would dearly love to be out there, but they've broken our hearts," she said at the time. The cancellation came after several people interrupted the Welcome to Country at a Melbourne dawn service. Although the club later apologised and asked her to proceed, she and two First Nations groups chose to cancel their performances amid the confusion. Aunty Joy on Thursday expressed disappointment that no resolution was able to be reached with the club. "This is about the board not the game. This is about setting a standard not just for Melbourne Storm but across all sporting codes," Aunty Joy said. "While I will not do this officially tonight, I will be there to offer strength, healing and cultural safety, I do this with honour for our people, respect for what we have been given, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, healing with purpose." Melbourne Storm issued a statement on Monday, confirming there had been "ongoing communication" with members of the Wurundjeri community following the events on Anzac Day. The club apologised to the individuals, groups, and communities involved. "As we continue to engage with the local community regarding connection to the club and cultural protocols and out of respect for those involved, the club will recognise the Traditional Owners of the land through an acknowledgement of country on Thursday night for Indigenous Round," the statement read. An Aboriginal elder who was left "broken-hearted" after Melbourne Storm cancelled her planned Welcome to Country on Anzac Day will make a return to the NRL despite ongoing conflict with the club's board. Wurundjeri woman Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin said she will attend Thursday night's Indigenous round to show support for the players, staff, communities despite holding disappointment and lack of resolution. Aunty Joy condemned the club's association with a standing board member, who has links to conservative lobby group Advance Australia. "I carry a deep responsibility to community and will not compromise my integrity as a proud Aboriginal woman and community Elder," she said in a statement. Board director Brett Ralph, via his company JMR Management Consultancy Services, reportedly donated $225,000 to Advance Australia, a group that campaigned for the no vote in the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum. Aunty Joy said she "cannot support an organisation that has associations with any group that incites racial vilification and division". It comes months after Aunty Joy was scheduled to perform the Welcome to Country at AAMI Park, but was told she was no longer needed. "We would dearly love to be out there, but they've broken our hearts," she said at the time. The cancellation came after several people interrupted the Welcome to Country at a Melbourne dawn service. Although the club later apologised and asked her to proceed, she and two First Nations groups chose to cancel their performances amid the confusion. Aunty Joy on Thursday expressed disappointment that no resolution was able to be reached with the club. "This is about the board not the game. This is about setting a standard not just for Melbourne Storm but across all sporting codes," Aunty Joy said. "While I will not do this officially tonight, I will be there to offer strength, healing and cultural safety, I do this with honour for our people, respect for what we have been given, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, healing with purpose." Melbourne Storm issued a statement on Monday, confirming there had been "ongoing communication" with members of the Wurundjeri community following the events on Anzac Day. The club apologised to the individuals, groups, and communities involved. "As we continue to engage with the local community regarding connection to the club and cultural protocols and out of respect for those involved, the club will recognise the Traditional Owners of the land through an acknowledgement of country on Thursday night for Indigenous Round," the statement read. An Aboriginal elder who was left "broken-hearted" after Melbourne Storm cancelled her planned Welcome to Country on Anzac Day will make a return to the NRL despite ongoing conflict with the club's board. Wurundjeri woman Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin said she will attend Thursday night's Indigenous round to show support for the players, staff, communities despite holding disappointment and lack of resolution. Aunty Joy condemned the club's association with a standing board member, who has links to conservative lobby group Advance Australia. "I carry a deep responsibility to community and will not compromise my integrity as a proud Aboriginal woman and community Elder," she said in a statement. Board director Brett Ralph, via his company JMR Management Consultancy Services, reportedly donated $225,000 to Advance Australia, a group that campaigned for the no vote in the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum. Aunty Joy said she "cannot support an organisation that has associations with any group that incites racial vilification and division". It comes months after Aunty Joy was scheduled to perform the Welcome to Country at AAMI Park, but was told she was no longer needed. "We would dearly love to be out there, but they've broken our hearts," she said at the time. The cancellation came after several people interrupted the Welcome to Country at a Melbourne dawn service. Although the club later apologised and asked her to proceed, she and two First Nations groups chose to cancel their performances amid the confusion. Aunty Joy on Thursday expressed disappointment that no resolution was able to be reached with the club. "This is about the board not the game. This is about setting a standard not just for Melbourne Storm but across all sporting codes," Aunty Joy said. "While I will not do this officially tonight, I will be there to offer strength, healing and cultural safety, I do this with honour for our people, respect for what we have been given, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, healing with purpose." Melbourne Storm issued a statement on Monday, confirming there had been "ongoing communication" with members of the Wurundjeri community following the events on Anzac Day. The club apologised to the individuals, groups, and communities involved. "As we continue to engage with the local community regarding connection to the club and cultural protocols and out of respect for those involved, the club will recognise the Traditional Owners of the land through an acknowledgement of country on Thursday night for Indigenous Round," the statement read.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Furious Indigenous elder reveals why her people are refusing to hold Welcome to Country ceremonies for NRL team
Aboriginal elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin has issued a furious statement accusing the Melbourne Storm of being associated with a lobby group that 'incites racial vilification and division'. Aunty Joy said the ties between a Storm board member and the Advance Australia group mean Victoria's Wurundjeri people will no longer be involved in functions or cultural work with the club, such as Welcome to Country ceremonies. The high-profile elder delivered the statement just after the team apologised for abruptly cancelling a planned Welcome ceremony on Anzac Day this year - and announced the team will hold an Acknowledgement of Country instead of a Welcome when they play Brisbane on Thursday night to begin the NRL 's Indigenous Round. Unlike Welcomes to Country, Acknowledgements can be performed by non-Indigenous people. Aunty Joy's broadside at the club came after it was revealed Storm board member Brett Ralph had donated $175,000 to Advance Australia through his JMR Management Consultancy Services company. Advance Australia campaigned against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, supports Aboriginal politicians Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Warren Mundine, and stands against what it calls 'out-of-control' immigration policies. 'I carry a deep responsibility to community and will not compromise my integrity as a proud Aboriginal woman and community Elder,' Aunty Joy said. 'We cannot support an organisation that has associations with any group that incites racial vilification and division. 'We are willing to continue to work with Melbourne Storm to address the deep community concerns but cannot endorse any official functions or cultural work until measures are put in place to ensure cultural respect and safety for all.' Djirri Djirri dance group member Ky-Ya Nicholson - who was due to perform at the Anzac Day match before the cancellation of the Welcome - said the troupe has cut ties with the club. 'Our decision to end our long-standing relationship with Melbourne Storm comes as a result of the disrespect shown towards Aunty Joy on Anzac Day, which was a lost opportunity to honour her veteran father and First Peoples servicemen and women who fought alongside Australian soldiers,' she said. 'We as a community feel very disrespected by the actions of Melbourne Storm's board, as a Welcome to Country ceremony is a tradition of unity and goodwill ... this shows their tokenistic approach and lack of understanding to this symbol of unity.' Aunty Joy said she will still attend the match against the Broncos to show support for the players, but added, 'Board members cannot support organisations that create harm to our people.' The Daily Mail has contacted Advance Australia for comment. Storm chairman Matt Tripp said the Anzac Day ceremony did not go ahead because it was not formally approved by the club's board. However, the Djirri Djirri dance group claimed they were told that the Welcome to Country was cancelled by the board because of the booing of Uncle Mark Brown at the Anzac Dawn Service in Melbourne. Aunty Joy said she was left heartbroken and distressed by the dropping of the Welcome, which resulted in the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service cancelling its campaign with the team. In a statement, VAHS said the cancellation showed 'a lack of respect and cultural sensitivity towards Aboriginal people.' The Storm released the following apology for the cancellation on Tuesday. 'Melbourne Storm has been in ongoing communication with members of the Wurundjeri community following the events on ANZAC Day and has apologised to the individuals, groups, and communities involved. 'The Club extends that apology to First Nations and Māori and Pasifika communities impacted. 'As we continue to engage with the local community regarding connection to the Club and cultural protocols and out of respect for those involved, the Club will recognise the traditional owners of the land through an Acknowledgement of Country on Thursday night for Indigenous Round.'
ABC News
6 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy to attend Melbourne Storm NRL match despite ongoing issues with board
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin has said she will attend Thursday night's Melbourne Storm home game despite ongoing concerns with the club's board. The Storm announced this week that an Acknowledgement of Country would be held prior to their match with the Brisbane Broncos, marking the NRL's Indigenous Round. The club also apologised to Aunty Joy for the cancellation of a Welcome to Country before to the Storm's Anzac Day match, where the Wurundjeri elder had been at the stadium to perform. Ahead of Thursday's match, Aunty Joy said she would attend in support of players, staff and community, despite a resolution not being reached with the club's board after Anzac Day. "This is about the board, not the game. This is about setting a standard not just for Melbourne Storm but across all sporting codes," Aunty Joy said. "I will always stand strong beside community and as a leader take responsibility to care for those who hurt badly." Melbourne said at the time that the club's "board had not approved for it to be held on Anzac Day". The cancellation came hours after Bunurong and Gunditjmara man Uncle Mark Brown was booed and heckled by members of the crowd at the dawn service at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance. The Storm said its decision was not related to the booing earlier in the day, but Aunty Joy said she was told it was. Aunty Joy said Wurundjeri people wanted to continue their association with the Melbourne Storm, but highlighted they "cannot safely undertake formal ceremonies" due to one board member's reported links with lobby group Advance Australia. "I carry a deep responsibility to community and will not compromise my integrity as a proud Aboriginal woman and community elder," she said. "We cannot support an organisation that has associations with any group that incites racial vilification and division. "We are willing to continue to work with Melbourne Storm to address the deep community concerns but cannot endorse any official functions or cultural work until measures are put in place to ensure cultural respect and safety for all." Wurundjeri woman and Djirri Djirri dancer Ky-Ya Nicholson was due to perform at the Anzac Day game before the Welcome to Country was cancelled. In a statement, she said Djirri Djirri would not associate with the club "until there is meaningful change at board level". "Our decision to end our long-standing relationship with Melbourne Storm comes as a result of the disrespect shown towards Aunty Joy on Anzac Day, which was a lost opportunity to honour her veteran father and First Peoples servicemen and women who fought alongside Australian soldiers," Nicholson said. "We as a community feel very disrespected by the actions of Melbourne Storm's board, as a Welcome to Country ceremony is a tradition of unity and goodwill. Which has been completely disregarded, this shows their tokenistic approach and lack of understanding to this symbol of unity."
