The Melbourne Storm has announced a review of its regular Welcome to Country ceremonies, confirming the tradition will remain for key events such as the NRL’s Indigenous Round and Anzac Day, but other instances will be reassessed as part of a 2025 cultural planning review.
The club emphasized its commitment to acknowledging First Nations people while also exploring ways to celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds of its players, including Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and New Zealand.
The decision follows a season where the Storm conducted just three Welcome to Country ceremonies and comes amid broader debates about the tradition’s meaning and commercialisation.
While some critics, including Indigenous leaders, have expressed concerns that the Welcome to Country has become divisive or overly commercialized, the Storm highlighted its continued support for First Nations communities through programs promoting health, education, and welfare.
The club’s new initiatives include a Men’s Gathering for Aboriginal men at AAMI Park and a School to Work program for First Nations students.
The shift reflects a balance between maintaining respect for Indigenous traditions and adapting to a multicultural fan base, aligning with broader discussions about unity and representation in Australian sports.
