- Published:
- Thursday 17 December 2020
The Andrews Labor Government is partnering with AFL No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to support the next generation of Aboriginal leaders.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams visited Framlingham today to announce $180,000 to set up the Jamarra Ugle-Hagan Youth Leadership Initiative, which will provide mentorship and leadership training to young Eastern Maar and other Aboriginal people in the state’s south west.
Mr Ugle-Hagan became a household name last week after being named the second Aboriginal No.1 draft pick in history, following Des Headland’s recruitment to Brisbane in 1998.
A proud teenager from Framlingham, Mr Ugle-Hagan is determined to give back to community and will play a key role in the Initiative, which will be run by a partnership between Kirrae Aboriginal Health Service, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Cooperation and the Framlingham Aboriginal Trust.
The Western Bulldogs will also provide additional support by hosting future participants and providing match day experiences, including the Sir Doug Nicholls Round – the AFL’s annual round recognising and celebrating Indigenous players and culture.
Young people will get cultural, educational and sporting opportunities through the initiative, which will be designed and delivered by Eastern Maar people.
The funding has been provided through the fourth round of the $10 million COVID-19 Aboriginal Community Response and Recovery Fund allocations.
The Fund was set up during the pandemic to provide culturally safe responses to people in need and to foster community connection while ensuring local organisations and communities are at the heart of those solutions.
To date, the Fund has distributed almost $5 million, with the latest allocation of $1.61 million to be shared across 12 organisations, including the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Services, Southern Aboriginal Sports, 3KND Kool N Deadly Radio, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and for the Jamarra Ugle-Hagan Initiative.
Applications can still be made at aboriginalvictoria.vic.gov.au/aboriginal-community-response-and-recovery-fund.
Quote attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams
“Marra has already inspired so many people – it’s a pleasure to be able to help formalise a program where Framlingham kids can also directly benefit from his experience and his journey, which is only just beginning.”
Quote attributable to Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
“As a Gunditjmara man, giving back to my community and family that helped me achieve success is important and is a value I share and a privilege I embrace to help assist your mob’s future.”