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Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Aboriginal Group Cuts Ties With Melbourne Storm After Welcome to Country Axing
The Victorian Aboriginal Health Services (VAHS) has ended its alliance with the Melbourne Storm after the National Rugby League club cancelled the Indigenous Welcome to Country ceremony at its Anzac Day home game against the Rabbitohs. In a letter to Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski and approved by VAHS CEO Michael Graham, the VAHS said the 'difficult decision' had been made to withdraw from the partnership, citing disrespect for Indigenous elder Aunty Joy Murphy who would have delivered the ceremony. The Deadly Choices Health Check partnership included the Storm printing the VAHS logo on their warm-up shirts, which were also made available to health check participants. The initiative, at its core, worked to encourage Indigenous Australians to make healthier decisions on diet and exercise, with the VAHS playing a role as a key organiser for Indigenous children to play half-time games. 'The Melbourne Storm Board's decision to cancel the Welcome to Country was disrespectful to Aunty Joy and the Wurundjeri People, has had a ripple effect and hurtful impact on Aboriginal People throughout Naarm (Melbourne) and across the country, and is not reflective of VAHS' values of respect, cultural integrity, and cultural safety,' the VAHS said in a statement 'This decision made by the Melbourne Storm Board demonstrated a lack of respect and cultural sensitivity towards Aboriginal people and communities, specifically in relation to the treatment and recognition of Aunty Joy and the Wurundjeri people, particularly their cultural protocols and practices.' Related Stories 4/26/2025 4/24/2025 VAHS said the move by the Melbourne Storm ran counter to cultural integrity and safety. Aunty Joy Murphy speaks at the Welcome To Country for the Trophy arrival ceremony during day one of the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Jan. 14, of Ceremony a Misunderstanding: Club The Welcome to Country was cancelled on match day, soon after a group of men booed and heckled Melbourne's flagship Anzac Day dawn service. The Melbourne Storm later issued a statement to say the axing of the ceremony had been a 'misunderstanding' and denied any link to earlier events. 'We will continue to have discussions with First Nations and Māori communities to understand and strengthen our ongoing relationship,' the Storm said in a statement. The Epoch Times contacted the Melbourne Storm for comment on the withdrawal of the VAHS partnership. Not So Welcome to Country Started in the 1970s, the Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement to Country, are ceremonies performed by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander elders to 'welcome' guests to their land at public events. It has become a topic of debate with those in favour saying the ceremony represents a mark of respect for tradition and culture, while those against say it has lost its relevance and meaning through overuse. Former Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said its overuse would cheapen its significance, while current One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson Additionally, a serviceman who spoke at the Melbourne Dawn Service told reporters some veterans were avoiding Anzac Day services because they felt the Welcome to Country was disrespectful. 'I have a lot of veteran mates who haven't come today solely because of the Welcome to Country because our friends died for this country, for this soil, and for them the 'welcome' is a slap in the face,' he told The ceremony has opposition amongst the Indigenous community, too. Last year, Queensland's Juru Indigenous people
ABC News
14-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Melbourne Storm surprised club was not invited to be part of NRL Las Vegas opener in 2026
Melbourne has described the NRL's decision to reject the Storm for next year's Las Vegas season launch as a "missed opportunity", saying the game is neglecting one of Australia's biggest sporting markets. The NRL overlooked the perennial competition heavyweights, opting to capitalise on Canterbury's popularity by putting them on the plane to the US next year, alongside St George Illawarra, North Queensland and Newcastle. Ahead of the 2025 fixture the Storm withdrew from the running, unhappy with the NRL's terms and conditions, but Storm boss Justin Rodski told AAP they were "keen" for 2026. Melbourne have had back-to-back sell-outs already this season and have signed more than 31,000 club members, which is why Rodski was puzzled that the NRL didn't look to lure a new fan base to the showpiece event. "We thought we had a proposal that was compelling, but unfortunately, for whatever reason, I think the NRL missed a big opportunity to not take the Storm," he said. "It's an opportunity missed to showcase Melbourne, second largest city in the country; Victoria, the biggest growth market with the game flying; Origin here next year. "By all metrics we're one of the powerhouse clubs in the competition, and to be not selected again is disappointing. "In all sports, we'd be among the top-ranked clubs in the country when it comes to broadcast, commercial support, fan base and social media reach. "If you think about all the factors, it's hard to understand how we weren't picked to go, but at the same time there's always layers of complexity that sit within decision-making for the NRL, so they've got to weigh that all up." Rodski wasn't certain if they would consider applying for 2027, saying the club had a more pressing priority. "Hopefully we win the comp and we'll be playing in the World Club Challenge in England instead," he said. Making their maiden appearances in Vegas, Newcastle will meet North Queensland, before neighbouring rivals the Bulldogs and Dragons face off on March 1 (AEDT). Hull KR will also play Leeds in the Super League match. The 2024 grand finalists are one of five teams not to have played in Las Vegas since the overseas promotion started in 2024, along with the Dolphins, Gold Coast, Parramatta and West Tigers, It's expected the Bulldogs' recent surge in popularity will help the NRL push for an increased crowd figure from the 45,209 of this season. Canterbury hosted a record regular-season crowd when 65,603 turned up for this year's Good Friday match against South Sydney. The Bulldogs have an average crowd this season of more than 35,000. Adding to the NRL's hopes of an increased attendance is that they have been able to name the fixtures earlier, rather than in July last year and August the previous year. AAP
The Advertiser
14-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
NRL premiership contenders upset by Las Vegas snub
Miffed Melbourne have described the NRL's decision to reject the Storm for Las Vegas as a "missed opportunity", saying the game is neglecting one of Australia's biggest sporting markets. The NRL overlooked the perennial competition heavyweights, opting to capitalise on Canterbury's popularity by putting them on the plane to the US next year, alongside St George Illawarra, North Queensland and Newcastle. Ahead of the 2025 fixture the Storm withdrew from the running, unhappy with the NRL's terms and conditions, but Storm boss Justin Rodski told AAP they were "keen" for 2026. Melbourne have had back-to-back sell-outs already this season and have signed more than 31,000 club members, which is why Rodski was puzzled that the NRL didn't look to lure a new fan base to the showpiece event. "We thought we had a proposal that was compelling, but unfortunately, for whatever reason, I think the NRL missed a big opportunity to not take the Storm," he said. "It's an opportunity missed to showcase Melbourne, second largest city in the country; Victoria, the biggest growth market with the game flying; Origin here next year. "By all metrics we're one of the powerhouse clubs in the competition, and to be not selected again is disappointing. "In all sports, we'd be among the top-ranked clubs in the country when it comes to broadcast, commercial support, fan base and social media reach. "If you think about all the factors, it's hard to understand how we weren't picked to go, but at the same time there's always layers of complexity that sit within decision-making for the NRL, so they've got to weigh that all up." Rodski wasn't certain if they would consider applying for 2027, saying the club had a more pressing priority. "Hopefully we win the comp and we'll be playing in the world club challenge in England instead," he said. Making their maiden appearances in Vegas, Newcastle will meet North Queensland, before neighbouring rivals the Bulldogs and Dragons face off on March 1 (AEDT). Hull KR will also play Leeds in the Super League match. The 2024 grand finalists are one of five teams not to have played in Las Vegas since the overseas promotion started in 2024, along with the Dolphins, Gold Coast, Parramatta and West Tigers, It's expected the Bulldogs' recent surge in popularity will help the NRL push for an increased crowd figure from the 45,209 of this season. Canterbury hosted a record regular-season crowd when 65,603 turned up for this year's Good Friday match against South Sydney. The Bulldogs have an average crowd this season of more than 35,000. Adding to the NRL's hopes of an increased attendance is that they have been able to name the fixtures earlier, rather than in July last year and August the previous year. Meanwhile, the absence of a women's match in Wednesday's announcement came after Australia trounced England 90-4 in Vegas this year. NRL bosses conceded afterwards the day was potentially too long, and could be shortened for 2026. AAP understands the NRL is examining what the women's schedule looks like for next year and beyond, with the game continuing to grow. Ahead of the second State of Origin clash in Sydney, Queensland coach Tahnee Norris and her Blues opposite John Strange plumped for an interstate match to feature in Vegas. Miffed Melbourne have described the NRL's decision to reject the Storm for Las Vegas as a "missed opportunity", saying the game is neglecting one of Australia's biggest sporting markets. The NRL overlooked the perennial competition heavyweights, opting to capitalise on Canterbury's popularity by putting them on the plane to the US next year, alongside St George Illawarra, North Queensland and Newcastle. Ahead of the 2025 fixture the Storm withdrew from the running, unhappy with the NRL's terms and conditions, but Storm boss Justin Rodski told AAP they were "keen" for 2026. Melbourne have had back-to-back sell-outs already this season and have signed more than 31,000 club members, which is why Rodski was puzzled that the NRL didn't look to lure a new fan base to the showpiece event. "We thought we had a proposal that was compelling, but unfortunately, for whatever reason, I think the NRL missed a big opportunity to not take the Storm," he said. "It's an opportunity missed to showcase Melbourne, second largest city in the country; Victoria, the biggest growth market with the game flying; Origin here next year. "By all metrics we're one of the powerhouse clubs in the competition, and to be not selected again is disappointing. "In all sports, we'd be among the top-ranked clubs in the country when it comes to broadcast, commercial support, fan base and social media reach. "If you think about all the factors, it's hard to understand how we weren't picked to go, but at the same time there's always layers of complexity that sit within decision-making for the NRL, so they've got to weigh that all up." Rodski wasn't certain if they would consider applying for 2027, saying the club had a more pressing priority. "Hopefully we win the comp and we'll be playing in the world club challenge in England instead," he said. Making their maiden appearances in Vegas, Newcastle will meet North Queensland, before neighbouring rivals the Bulldogs and Dragons face off on March 1 (AEDT). Hull KR will also play Leeds in the Super League match. The 2024 grand finalists are one of five teams not to have played in Las Vegas since the overseas promotion started in 2024, along with the Dolphins, Gold Coast, Parramatta and West Tigers, It's expected the Bulldogs' recent surge in popularity will help the NRL push for an increased crowd figure from the 45,209 of this season. Canterbury hosted a record regular-season crowd when 65,603 turned up for this year's Good Friday match against South Sydney. The Bulldogs have an average crowd this season of more than 35,000. Adding to the NRL's hopes of an increased attendance is that they have been able to name the fixtures earlier, rather than in July last year and August the previous year. Meanwhile, the absence of a women's match in Wednesday's announcement came after Australia trounced England 90-4 in Vegas this year. NRL bosses conceded afterwards the day was potentially too long, and could be shortened for 2026. AAP understands the NRL is examining what the women's schedule looks like for next year and beyond, with the game continuing to grow. Ahead of the second State of Origin clash in Sydney, Queensland coach Tahnee Norris and her Blues opposite John Strange plumped for an interstate match to feature in Vegas. Miffed Melbourne have described the NRL's decision to reject the Storm for Las Vegas as a "missed opportunity", saying the game is neglecting one of Australia's biggest sporting markets. The NRL overlooked the perennial competition heavyweights, opting to capitalise on Canterbury's popularity by putting them on the plane to the US next year, alongside St George Illawarra, North Queensland and Newcastle. Ahead of the 2025 fixture the Storm withdrew from the running, unhappy with the NRL's terms and conditions, but Storm boss Justin Rodski told AAP they were "keen" for 2026. Melbourne have had back-to-back sell-outs already this season and have signed more than 31,000 club members, which is why Rodski was puzzled that the NRL didn't look to lure a new fan base to the showpiece event. "We thought we had a proposal that was compelling, but unfortunately, for whatever reason, I think the NRL missed a big opportunity to not take the Storm," he said. "It's an opportunity missed to showcase Melbourne, second largest city in the country; Victoria, the biggest growth market with the game flying; Origin here next year. "By all metrics we're one of the powerhouse clubs in the competition, and to be not selected again is disappointing. "In all sports, we'd be among the top-ranked clubs in the country when it comes to broadcast, commercial support, fan base and social media reach. "If you think about all the factors, it's hard to understand how we weren't picked to go, but at the same time there's always layers of complexity that sit within decision-making for the NRL, so they've got to weigh that all up." Rodski wasn't certain if they would consider applying for 2027, saying the club had a more pressing priority. "Hopefully we win the comp and we'll be playing in the world club challenge in England instead," he said. Making their maiden appearances in Vegas, Newcastle will meet North Queensland, before neighbouring rivals the Bulldogs and Dragons face off on March 1 (AEDT). Hull KR will also play Leeds in the Super League match. The 2024 grand finalists are one of five teams not to have played in Las Vegas since the overseas promotion started in 2024, along with the Dolphins, Gold Coast, Parramatta and West Tigers, It's expected the Bulldogs' recent surge in popularity will help the NRL push for an increased crowd figure from the 45,209 of this season. Canterbury hosted a record regular-season crowd when 65,603 turned up for this year's Good Friday match against South Sydney. The Bulldogs have an average crowd this season of more than 35,000. Adding to the NRL's hopes of an increased attendance is that they have been able to name the fixtures earlier, rather than in July last year and August the previous year. Meanwhile, the absence of a women's match in Wednesday's announcement came after Australia trounced England 90-4 in Vegas this year. NRL bosses conceded afterwards the day was potentially too long, and could be shortened for 2026. AAP understands the NRL is examining what the women's schedule looks like for next year and beyond, with the game continuing to grow. Ahead of the second State of Origin clash in Sydney, Queensland coach Tahnee Norris and her Blues opposite John Strange plumped for an interstate match to feature in Vegas.
