Dreamtime at the ‘G has become one of the most significant events on the football calendar, and the Richmond Football Club is proud to be part of it.
This year’s Dreamtime at the ‘G game, the flagship match of the AFL’s Indigenous Round was a sell-out, and attracted a record Dreamtime crowd of 84,234 fans to the MCG – Richmond’s highest crowd in season 2013. And, over a million viewers tuned in to watch Richmond take on Essendon, and celebrate the special game.
The Club was part of many significant events and activities in the lead up to the game, including the Dreamtime Careers Expo, The Long Walk, hosting REAL Program alumni and the ‘Footy Means Business’ exhibition game between two teams of Indigenous players.
The event also provided many unique opportunities, including giving 11 Indigenous children from the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), the opportunity to run-out onto the MCG with Richmond players before the game.
Also, over 40 of the KGI's REAL Program participants were involved in the Dreamtime at the ‘G activities and celebrations, by volunteering at the Dreamtime Careers Expo. The Expo was held in the KGI's Maurice Rioli Room and had 43 stall-holders, and over 1200 Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through the doors.
Minister Jenny Macklin also announced Federal Government funding of over $970,000 to the KGI's REAL Program at Richmond's President's Function, before the first bounce at Dreamtime at the 'G. The funds will ensure the KGI can continue its successful outcomes of developing young Indigenous people into positive community leaders.
The KGI has also launched its own website, www.kgi.org.au, which has information on all of the institute’s latest news, event and activities.