Multiculturalism was on display prior to the game with representatives from Brazil, Burundi, Fiji and India performing their traditional dances. Inside the stadium young primary school students new to the country were playing their first game of Aussie Rules, and then participated in a Parade of Nations featuring flags from their home countries. The parade was led by two AFL Multicultural Ambassadors – the Power’s Alipate Carlile, of Fijian heritage, and Jimmy Toumpas from the Demons, of Greek heritage.
The entertainment continued with a performance from the Australian Girl’s Choir and the iconic Peter Allan song I Still Call Australia Home. The Power team followed the script, with a close three-point victory. The game finished with Power champion Dom Cassisi, of Italian heritage, receiving a standing ovation after 228 games for the club.
The Citizenship Ceremony included a welcome speech from Hieu Van Le, originally from Vietnam, and soon to be South Australia’s new Governor. The official guests included Adriana Christopoulos, of Greek heritage, and Chair of the Australia Day Council. The new citizens, from Afghanistan, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, the UK and Vietnam, made the Pledge of Commitment on the famous turf with the support of Stephen Yarwood, The Lord Mayor of Adelaide. The passionate Power crowd clapped the new citizens from the oval.
Events like AFL Multicultural Round and the Citizenship Ceremony are important elements of Australia’s game and both the Port Adelaide Football Club and Power Community Ltd are grateful to the AFL, the Australia Day Council of SA and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection - we are kicking goals together.
