Welcome to Country ceremonies have become a hugely controversial cultural topic in Australia in recent years.
Renewed attention to the ceremony during last year’s AFL finals, where Aboriginal Elder Brendan Kerin gave an address before a match between the Giants and the Lions.
Criticisms have also been made over the frequency of the ceremonies, which are performed at cultural and sporting events.
Some in attendance at sporting events have booed Welcome to Country ceremonies in the past, while others have taken to social media to express their disapproval of the ceremony.
Some online have questioned why they should be welcomed to their own country, while a motion to abolish the ceremony by a council in New South Wales, was also started in February.
During this year’s State of Origin series, Welcome to Country ceremonies have been held at each of the three Tests at the Suncorp Stadium, Optus Stadium and Accor Stadium.
While there has been large criticism online of the ceremonies, inside the stadiums there has been very little visible opposition to the ceremonies.
And on Wednesday night in Sydney, fans inside the stadium stood up and cheered the moment after Auntie Julie delivered her speech.
Indigenous elder Aunty Julie Jones and proud Dharug delivered her speech to over 50,000 fans inside the Accor Stadium, saying: ‘This beautiful country holds and nurtures many stories from the time of creation to the very story we are all creating here tonight.
‘Many people from all walks of life have the privilege of calling this place home.
‘And this country she welcomes you all.
‘When you leave here tonight, leave gently. Your footprints and spirit will be left with her.
‘Thank you. Have an amazing night and enjoy the game.’
A huge roar erupted from the crowd as they waited eagerly for the match to get underway.
More to follow…