Storm's Welcome to Country Cancellation: When Fear Trumps Respect
The decision by Melbourne Storm to cancel a Welcome to Country ceremony at AAMI Park has left a bitter taste in many mouths, including mine. The club’s explanation that they wanted to avoid a repeat of the disgraceful scenes we witnessed at the ANZAC Dawn Service feels like a paper-thin excuse that only serves to embolden the very people we should be standing up against.
Let’s be crystal clear about what happened here. A respected Wurundjeri elder, Aunty Joy, was prevented from performing a Welcome to Country on her own ancestral lands. Even more poignantly, she was there wearing her father’s WWI medals - a stark reminder that Indigenous Australians have fought and died for this country despite facing systematic discrimination and denial of basic rights.
While sitting in my home office this morning, watching the rain pelt down on the MCG in the distance, I’ve been reflecting on how this decision represents everything wrong with the way we sometimes handle challenging situations. Taking the path of least resistance might seem prudent in the short term, but it ultimately undermines the values we claim to uphold.
The timing of this controversy feels particularly significant, coming in the wake of the Voice referendum. We’re witnessing a concerning pattern where institutions seem to be retreating from their commitments to reconciliation at the first sign of pressure. It’s as if the ‘No’ vote has given some people permission to push back against even the most basic gestures of respect and recognition.
Walking through Federation Square last week, I noticed the permanent Acknowledgement of Country display and thought about how these acknowledgments have become an integral part of our civic life. They’re not mere performances - they’re important ceremonies that recognize the continuing connection of Indigenous peoples to their traditional lands. When we start canceling these ceremonies because we’re afraid of how some people might react, we’re essentially letting intimidation win.
The Storm’s decision is particularly disappointing because sport has traditionally been one of the more progressive spaces in Australian society when it comes to Indigenous recognition. From the AFL’s Indigenous Round to the NRL’s celebrations of Indigenous culture, these gestures have helped build bridges and promote understanding.
The boycott by both the Djirri Djirri dancers and their Māori counterparts sends a powerful message. They chose dignity over compliance, respect over expedience. Their stance reminds us that sometimes the most powerful response to intimidation is solidarity.
Looking forward, we need to ask ourselves what kind of society we want to be. Do we want to be one that backs down in the face of intolerance, or one that stands firm in its commitment to respect and reconciliation? The answer seems pretty clear to me.
For the Storm, this should be a moment of serious reflection. They’ve managed to alienate both Indigenous and Māori communities in one fell swoop - communities that have contributed enormously to rugby league. The damage to their reputation won’t be easily repaired, nor should it be.
The way forward isn’t to hide from conflict but to face it head-on. Next time - and there will be a next time - I hope the Storm and other organizations choose courage over convenience. Because if we start compromising on basic respect and recognition, we’re not just letting down Indigenous Australians - we’re letting down everyone who believes in a fair and inclusive society.