Wurundjeri Corporation and Melbourne Storm Form Historic Partnership

The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and the Melbourne Storm have announced a partnership aimed at creating sustainable opportunities for First Nations people through community, cultural, and educational collaboration.

The agreement marks a significant step in the club’s commitment to the Traditional Owners of the land on which they are based and compete.

The partnership focuses on a multi-faceted approach to supporting First Nations people across Melbourne and all of Wurundjeri Country. Central to the agreement is the establishment of a new Cultural Advisory Committee, where the Corporation will provide representation to guide the club’s strategic direction regarding Indigenous affairs.

The Corporation will also support the Storm with cultural protocols, including Welcome to Country ceremonies, and provide ongoing education to players, staff, and the wider Storm community.

Highlighting the partnership’s foundation in mutual respect, Wurundjeri Corporation chair and elder, Aunty Annette Xiberras, said: “This partnership with Melbourne Storm reflects a shared commitment to respect and cultural integrity, and we welcome the opportunity to work together to create meaningful opportunities for our people.”

“By strengthening understanding of Wurundjeri culture, we can support positive outcomes for our community and future generations,” Aunty Annette said. 

 emphasised the importance of these pathways for the club’s institutional growth. “This partnership will help to support meaningful programs and opportunities for First Nations people while also ensuring our players, staff and members continue to learn about and respect the rich history and culture of the Wurundjeri people,” Rodski said.

Rodski further acknowledged the collaborative efforts with Wurundjeri leadership, including Deputy Chair Uncle John Terrick, CEO Mark Harper, and Deputy CEO Uncle Sean Hunter. “Our discussions have been very positive and focused on how we can continue to build stronger pathways and create meaningful opportunities for First Nations people into the future,” he noted.

Key commercial and social initiatives under the partnership include:

• Education Pathways: Programs specifically designed to support young people in engaging further with their education.
• Health & Wellbeing: The development of men’s health programs tailored for First Nations communities.
• Cultural Competency: Mandatory education sessions for Storm staff and players to foster a deeper understanding of Wurundjeri history and heritage.

Strategically, the partnership aligns the Melbourne Storm with the broader objectives of the NRL’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). 

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