As we look back through the moments of 2021 it was not just on the field where some special events took place this year.
In May the Gold Coast Titans held their annual Reconciliation Week Event, launching the 2021 Indigenous jersey and a new 'Titans Cultural Collective' advisory group.
Showcasing their commitment to not just Indigenous but all multicultural players, staff and the wider community, the event featured traditional Indigenous and Pasifika food, gifts, performances and training.
The event also marked the launch of the Titans Cultural Collective, an advisory and advocacy group made up of Titans staff, players and community members from different cultures.
The group organises events, works with the community on cultural programs and strives to help players and staff connect with their culture and background more.
Titans Community and Game Development General Manager, Renee Cohen spoke of the excitement at launching the group.
“Being the first Club in any sporting code around Australia to have a cultural advisory group like this is really exciting," Cohen said.
“We can’t wait to showcase all of our wonderful players, staff, families and community members at our events,” she said.
Gold Coast Titans Co-Captain and proud Bundjalung man, Jamal Fogarty, said the unique reconciliation event was a great step forward uniting culture.
“For us as a Club, including the Pasifika culture is really important,” Fogarty said.
“It is a great initiative of our Club to include all cultures in the event.
“We get to sit together with multiple elders of different communities and share our experiences over some cultural food.
“For me, the week is just about getting out there and educating yourself.
“If you don’t know a lot, you can get out there and ask local elders or your friends and family.
“It’s a good way to understand what’s happening and how we can be better as a community moving forward,”
Throughout the day, players, staff and guests also had the opportunity to hear former Titans School to Work student Ash-Leigh Banks, speak about her 2021 Indigenous jersey design.
