Hawthorn Football Club along with AFL Katherine and Nitmiluk Tours raised over $3000 for the Big Rivers Football League as they pitch for inclusion in the NTFL Under 18 competition for the 2010/11 TIO NTFL Season.
Chief organiser and President of the AFL Katherine Denis Coburn said the night was a resounding success with over 70 people in attendance including
"This is only the start of our push for re-inclusion back into the NTFL, more fundraisers will be held throughout the year," said Coburn.
"Our end goal is to purchase a bus that we can use to transport our players too and from Darwin, this is a fantastic start to the fundraising effort."
Last night a Sportsman’s Night at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre with the Hawthorn travelling party as the main attraction for the evening.
In the touring party was four time Hawthorn Premiership player and Recruiting Manager Gary Buckenara, new recruit and NT local Shaun Burgoyne, Clinton Young, Max Bailey and Brendan Whitecross.
Buckenara entertained the crowd with the playing days of old and outlined Hawthorn’s plan for the Big Rivers region through their three year involvement.
"Our aim is to make a difference and change the lives of these young people, if we can do that by increasing school attendance in someway or changing their behaviors to lead more healthy lifestyles then I believe we are heading in the right in direction," said Buckenara.
"These visits and nights like these are things we are always willing to support and hope to support into the future."
The Northern Territory Government Minister for Sport Karl Hampton was also present and pledged $1000 toward the fundraising effort.
"We welcome the support of the Minister and any others who may want to assist us in becoming financially viable as this will form the basis of our application toward inclusion into the NTFL," explained Coburn.
This is one of the Hawks three scheduled visits to the region for the year. During this visit they also have travelled to a variety of communities in the region such as Jilkimingin and Mataranka where they conducted clinics with local school children and have also held clinics at the town oval in Katherine for the locals.
The players will return to base on Friday to resume normal training duties.
The Hawthorn visits are part of the AFL’s Community Partnership program and are assisted by the Federal Government Department FaHCSIA.
Wes Miller Chairman of the Jawoyn Association and Preston Lee Vice Chair Jawoyn Association of traditional owners Nitmiluk NP.