Nyirripi Trip – February 2025
On a bright, sunny, and hot day in February, Milpa the Goanna squeezed into his Melbourne Football Club (MFC) guernsey, ready for a special visit from senior MFC footy players in the remote community of Nyirripi. About 440km north-west of Alice Springs, Nyirripi is home to the Nyirripi Demons – and some of the most passionate MFC supporters you can find! Whenever Melbourne is playing during the AFL or AFLW season, you can hear the cheering and celebrating during the games ringing out across the community.
There were Demons flags, clothing and face paints to welcome the players along with loud cheering and hugs. The Demon song was playing on the loudspeaker. Jack Viney, Kate Hore (MFC AFLW Captain), Jake Lever and new recruit from the NT Ricki Mentha Junior arrived with big smiles to receive the warm welcome.
Special thanks to Mr Duncan Gallagher, Traditional Owner, for providing the formal welcome to everyone on the day, and to Michaeline Gallagher for making the many community introductions.
Milpa was thrilled to see all of the ‘Clean Faces and Strong Eyes’ and the big smiles in community. Minum Barreng: Indigenous Eye Health Unit put on a BBQ, with help from some VIP BBQ cooks (thanks Geoff and Sam!) along with fantastic support from Central Desert Regional Council, Nyirripi School and the community store.
One of the highlights of the visit was the filming of new community service announcements (watch this space, more to come!). The players were the talent, and filming took place on the red dirt along with Milpa the Goanna practicing the ‘Clean Faces, Strong Eyes’ moves and sharing key messages on the 6 Steps to Stop Germs. Standing nearby was some of the Nyirripi kids – watching every move and asking, ‘Can I be on TV?’. The camera equipment was struggling in the heat, so we have our fingers crossed that it all comes together.
Our appreciation and thanks go to the Nyirripi Kuurlu (Nyirripi School) and the Principal Clarice O’Leary for opening up on a Sunday to give us a shady spot under the basketball court to gather and wait for Melbourne Football Club players to arrive. Milpa, which means ‘eyes’ in Warlpiri (local language), was also spotted sitting on a desk in the staff room (escaping from the heat)!
We are incredibly grateful to all who helped make the day a success, including Central Desert Regional Council for their ongoing support and preparations. A big shout out also to House of Darwin for partnering with MFC, CAYLUS and Nyirripi through their Hoop Dreams initiative, which will refurbish the community basketball court. We can’t wait to see the outcomes of that project.
Thank you Nyirripi! We look forward to visiting again soon.
IEHU and MFC Visit Nyirripi 2022Art Mural and Hip Hop Project 2017