Jon Anderson weighs in on Melbourne Storm’s big Welcome to Country call

NRL club Melbourne Storm have announced they will no longer have regular Welcome to Country ceremonies before their games next season.

3AW Breakfast sports reporter Jon Anderson said the response from the public towards the Storm’s decision has been “overwhelmingly positive”.

“Welcome to Country should be something we can have and embrace, and it’s not, because you have different people doing it for different reasons, and sometimes trying to make a political statement,” Anderson told Jimmy Bartel and Mark Allen.

Press PLAY to hear his thoughts on the Storm’s decision + how the AFL could make Welcome to Country ceremonies more ‘palatable’ 

The club has since released the following statement:

“Melbourne Storm is not “ditching” its Welcome to Country or acknowledgments as suggested by recent media. We will continue these acknowledgments at culturally significant celebrations.

“The strength and success of our club is built on many cultures and communities, and our engagement with them has helped us to reflect the differing views on how we best support and represent each group.

“We will continue to talk to these communities and seek their input to find the most appropriate and respectful way to acknowledge and celebrate culture, including how we best acknowledge First Nations people.

“The club will continue to support First Nations community groups and organisations, as it has done for many years, delivering programs and initiatives that promote positive health, welfare and education outcomes.”

Former AFL player applauds Melbourne Storm’s ‘mature’ stance on Welcome to Country ceremonies

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