Inspiring Weekend in Trangie as NRLW Indigenous All Stars Visit Wungunja Cultural Centre
21-01-2025
Trangie had an unforgettable weekend hosting the NRLW Indigenous All Stars, leaving a lasting impression on locals and the team.
Jess Skinner, a Trangie local and board member of the Trangie Local Aboriginal Land Council, National Sports Coach of the Year, and the first-ever female head coach of the team, hosted the annual All Stars cultural camp on her Country to deepen her team’s connection with culture. The visit celebrated the Wiradjuri/Wongaibon cultural heritage at the Wungunja Cultural Centre, strengthening the bond between the players and Culture, Community, and Country.
The experience began with a Welcome to Country and a cleansing smoking ceremony led by Traditional Owners and dancers, after which the staff and athletes participated in an open training session with the community at the Trangie Allan Burns oval, inspiring the next generation of players. In the afternoon, the team visited the Wungunja Cultural Centre, where they crafted traditional gifts to be presented to the Māori All Stars Women’s Team in February at the All-Stars game in Parramatta on the 15th.
For the staff, players, and the people of Trangie, the weekend was a deeply impactful experience, reinforcing their bond with the community and culture while fostering a sense of unity and pride that will stay with the team as they progress in their rugby journey.
“It was just an absolutely beautiful day, and the girls are so lovely,” shared Aunty Di Smith, ACHAA Board Member and Chairperson of the Trangie LALC. “We wanted to share our community and Country, and that’s what we did – we celebrated culture, community, and rugby league in the best way possible.”
