IT IS no secret that local football clubs suffered the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdowns making it difficult to keep competitions going, leading to a shortage of funds. 

One of those clubs affected was the Fitzroy Stars Football & Netball Club, a community-based organisation that promotes, supports and celebrates the use of sport to maximise social, cultural and economic opportunities for Aboriginal people.

Their home is at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval in Thornbury, which is used as an Indigenous hub that players and community alike can utilise and gather. 
 
In a partnership with the Carlton Football Club, Anaconda donated a series of items to the Fitzroy Stars Football & Netball Club, allowing them to take advantage of some new gear for the upcoming 2022 season as they seek to rebuild their community after COVID-19.

Thanks to the generosity of club partner, Anaconda, a range of goods including generators, tents, ice boxes and other outdoor items were able to be donated to the Stars.

These items will help the Stars on match day, camps, training sessions and community events held at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval, shared amongst the men's and women's programs.

Fitzroy Stars player Keith Morgan spoke on behalf of the Club, thanking Anaconda and the Carlton Football Club for their contributions and ongoing support of the Stars, aiding their endeavour to bring the Indigenous community together through sport.

“Us and the broader community who are part of this footy club, we do appreciate anything that comes our way,” Morgan said. 

“Covid has affected us pretty hard in terms of trying to keep people around and playing so it’s been an up-and-down battle at times but we do appreciate this. 

“We have our women's footy team too so we’ll try and work hand in hand with them so they can get a piece of the pie as well.”

Carlton’s Indigenous Liaison Lead Jethro Calma-Holt acknowledges that this is a step towards connecting the Club with Indigenous communities.

“The Carlton Football Club is currently renewing their Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, which guides the Club and its environment in ways to engage with our First Australians,” Calma-Holt said.

“This donation is a great example of how we can connect our Club, our partners and our community together.” 

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