Aboriginal Group Cuts Ties With Melbourne Storm After Welcome to Country Axing

Victorian Aboriginal Health Services organised participation for Indigenous children during half-time games.

An indigenous Australian during the round three NRL match between Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia on March 24, 2024. Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Services (VAHS) has ended its alliance with the Melbourne Storm after the National Rugby League club cancelled the Indigenous Welcome to Country ceremony at its Anzac Day home game against the Rabbitohs.

In a letter to Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski and approved by VAHS CEO Michael Graham, the VAHS said the “difficult decision” had been made to withdraw from the partnership, citing disrespect for Indigenous elder Aunty Joy Murphy who would have delivered the ceremony.