Health service dumps Storm after Anzac snub

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service has terminated its Deadly Choices health check promotion partnership with the Melbourne Storm after the club cancelled the Welcome to Country ceremony on Anzac Day last month.

The VAHS sent a letter to the NRL club’s  chief executive Justin Rodski of their decision, clearly outlining their disgust at the way the club had treated Aunty Joy Murphy.

The partnership included the VAHS logo and branding on a Melbourne Storm warm up shirt that was available to VAHS health check participants.

As a result of the termination, VAHS will no longer be a Community outlet for tickets to NRL Indigenous Round, Melbourne Storm home games, or organise local Koori children to play during half time exhibition games.

“This decision is directly related to the cancellation of the scheduled Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy, representing the Wurundjeri People, for Melbourne Storm’s ANZAC Day home game,” the letter stated.

“The Melbourne Storm Board’s decision to cancel the Welcome to Country was disrespectful to Aunty Joy and the Wurundjeri People, has had a ripple effect and hurtful impact on Aboriginal People throughout Naarm and across the country, and is not reflective of VAHS’ values of respect, cultural integrity, and cultural safety.”