The Peel region’s youth came together to raise awareness about positive life choices at the ninth annual Gnoonie Cup football match on Thursday night.
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The aim of the event, initiated by the family and friends of four local young Aboriginal boys killed as a result of a car accident in 2008, is to encourage young people to make better life choices
They are also educated on the dangers of risky behaviour in society and the impact it can have on those around them.
The match is opened with a welcome to country and traditional smoking ceremony, used to create a clear pathway for the youth in the Peel region community.
Joint coordinator Barry Lawrence said the Gnoonie Cup had gone from strength to strength across its nine years.
“To see all these kids actively wanting to get involved in making a difference is probably the best part of it,” he said.
“We started off with just a few kids from Coodanup and now we’ve got them travelling from Pinjarra and north of Mandurah to come and be part of the day.
“I think the main things are we get to educate them on making good life choices, connect them with their culture and show them what it means to come together as a community.”
Sponsored by Healthway, the Gnoonie Cup is supported by the Department of Sport and Recreation, Department of Child Protection and Family Support, City of Mandurah’s Youth Development team, WA Football Commission, StreetNet Youth Services and the Wirrapanda Foundation.
It is run by the Billy Dower Youth Centre.