“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” This powerful quote is about the importance of making decisions guided by a set of values.

The values of a sports club aren’t always so clear. But we know that success is important and so is creating an environment for people to connect. It’s also a place to help people grow, to learn, and to understand the world around them.

A club with a culture of respect acknowledges that there will be differences of opinion and disagreements. They acknowledge that people have their own stories that are worthy of being told.

But there are some stories that don’t get told. The struggles of people who don’t find sport as inclusive or welcoming. Their stories are usually told through campaigns that raise awareness such as mental health, Pride in sports, First Nations culture, women in sports, anti-racism, and others.

In recent years, we’ve seen some of these initiatives fail. Ironically, for not respecting those who have opposing views. The example of the Manly Sea Eagles pride shirt and player boycott still strikes fear in clubs wanting to establish themed rounds. 

However, with genuine consultation, clubs can build knowledge from the ground up. They can demonstrate that the issue is important for the local community, their neighbourhood, and members. The ongoing nature of the consultation is what gives it credibility and it becomes the critical first step towards building greater advocacy.

In this episode, we’re shining the spotlight on the Balmain Tigers, an Aussie Rules footy club based in Sydney. They developed a campaign to increase awareness of First Nations culture and created the Pemulwuy Shield to honour the local Aboriginal warrior.

We speak with Daniel Bourke, who was an integral part of the formation of the Pemulwuy Shield and having it taken up as a permanent fixture in the Sydney AFL’s Indigenous Round.

A great motivator in his gym and footy communities and an active supporter of First Nations people and Recognition. Dan shares his insights into the development of the Pemulwuy Shield.

• Dan Bourke's Instagram
• Balmain Tigers launching the Pemulwuy Shield along with the Uluru Statement from the heart - AFL Sydney video [1:37mins]
• Balmain Tigers Australian Football Club (Pemulwuy Shield)
• The Australian Wars (SBS On Demand) - Rachel Perkins journeys across the country to explore the bloody battles fought on Australian soil and the war that established the Australian nation, seeking to change the narrative of the nation