As the Geelong Cats’ Djilang Program, proudly supported by Barwon Water, prepares to head into its 11th Year, it is a good time to look back and reflect on the first decade of the program.

Originally called the ‘Close the Gap Program’ before changing its name to Djilang – the Wadawurrung name for Geelong – it is a cultural connection program run by the club in consultation with the local First Nations community.

The program has taken various forms over the years, but in recent times has invited First Nations children and young people to participate in an art project that is celebrated and displayed during the club’s AFL and AFLW Djilang matches, as well as forming a permanent installation at GMHBA Stadium.

Wadawurrung Woman Corrina Eccles, who has been working with the Geelong Football Club on First Nations initiatives for the past two decades, has played an integral role in building the Djilang Program to what it is today.

“It is important that there is that connection of the football club with the wider First Nations community,” Ms Eccles said.

“The programs we run are really about that strong connection and engagement, and bringing the kids together is really vital and important.

“The kids absolutely love looking forward to Djilang Round and we’re seeing the generations that will come through that as well.

“Then seeing some of the children as mentors and in the roles where they work now they come along and mentor other children and bring them along to the program, so they’ve now become leaders.”

Ruby Evans is one such mentor, having taken part in the Djilang Program as a child and now taking her place on the Djilang Advisory Committee as a Senior Female Mentor at Strong Brother Strong Sister.

“These programs are really important as they connect the Geelong Cats and our community together really well,” Ms Evans said.

“You get to connect to people you really look up to as role models, and to be able to see the kids that were once in that program now playing AFL football is pretty cool as well.”

Barwon Water Chair Jo Plummer said it was important that organisations like the Cats and Barwon Water lean into the values of Traditional Owners and work together to deliver programs like the Djilang Program.

“Barwon Water has been part of the program for six years now, and it helps (First Nations) young people connect to who they are, and has the added benefit of giving us all the education that we need so that we become more culturally literate,” Ms Plummer said.

Geelong Cats First Nations Engagement Manager Chloe Wegener said the club is proud to be involved in the Djilang Program.

“The Djilang program is a wonderful celebration of our First Nations youth across Geelong and the South West, with community involvement stretching as far as Warrnambool,” Ms Wegener said.

“We’re thrilled to see how much the program has been embraced over its first 10 years, and we can’t wait for this year’s program delivery, which will be happening across February and March.

“We thank all our community partners who have been involved in the Djilang Advisory Committee and help us put this wonderful program together each year, and also thank Barwon Water for their genuine care and investment in the program.”