EIGHT years after his rugby league retirement, the inspirational Preston Campbell still has the power to make the hairs on the back of the neck stand on end.
The club’s first marquee signing, Preston will again be the centre of attention at Titans home games and official events after lending his voice to a brilliant and moving Acknowledgement of Country video created, produced and edited by the Titans Production team.
A welcoming message to be played at all designated Gold Coast Titans events, our Acknowledgement of Country video promotes the region and pays respect to indigenous owners and leaders – past, present and future.
Importantly, it represents the greater Gold Coast, and the Northern Rivers districts of NSW.
The stunning video was produced in collaboration with the Preston Campbell Foundation, Martin Ermer from Dreamworld Corroboree Centre, and Luth Cora and the Yugembeh Aboriginal Dancers.
Preston, the Titans’ spiritual leader, legend of the game and an icon of indigenous rugby league, said he was proud to lend his voice to such a powerful message of respect across all communities.
“I’m proud to be involved as a Kamilaroi man who has been welcomed by the local Yugambeh mob,” he said.
“I am proud to be involved as a former Titans player. I am also proud to be involved through working with the Titans community programs to build a better future for all our kids – indigenous and non-indigenous.
“Anything that builds better understanding between people is a great initiative. There are more things we have that bring us together than divide us.
“Raising awareness allows us to have meaningful conversations based on respect. It allows us to work together for a better future for all Australians.”
Preston said the Acknowledgement of Country video had captured the importance of the traditional welcome to visitors that carried with it an understanding of mutual respect.
“I think the video is great, but it is the main message of respect that is important,” he said.
“Historically when you were crossing into another group’s country, you requested permission to enter.
“When permission was granted, the hosting group would welcome the visitors, offering them safe passage and protection of their spiritual being during the journey.
“While visitors were provided with a safe passage, they also had to respect the protocols and rules of the land-owner group while on their Country.
“In acknowledging the traditional custodians, we are showing this respect.”
Preston said the use of Acknowledgement of Country videos and ceremonies in the NRL, like the one produced by the Titans, would help to unify indigenous and non-indigenous Australians through a shared love of rugby league
“Rugby League is a national sport and its reach is enormous,” he said.
“I know from travelling across the country how important these messages are, and how by showing this respect to mob we will receive much more in return.”
