Barunga Festival was a weekend of music, culture and sport enjoyed by thousands of people from all around, with the sporting section of the event commencing with an exceptionally special dedication for many before the football kicked off for the weekend with the Arnhem Crows taking on Ngukurr in the women’s AFL.
Early this year the members of the Barunga Local Authority discussed paying tribute to three community members, and their families who meant a great deal to not only AFL but the whole region, Anthony Lee, Owen Shields and Gavin Harrison who sadly passed away. This project was swiftly put into action with the Local Authority agreeing to fund this important memory.
As the crowed moved around the oval to the three signs that had been erected in honor of the individuals, Esther Bulumbara, a Bagala Traditional Owner, Paul Amarant, the previous Arnhem Crows Football Club Coach and Helen Lee, the president of Arnhem Crows Sporting Association and Councillor of Roper Gulf Regional Council spoke about the impact each community member had on AFL in Barunga and their passion for the game.
Together, the family members of the deceased unveiled the new dedicated signs on each of the coaches boxes and the new score board as the emotions were felt throughout the whole oval.
Roper Gulf Regional Council is honored to be a part of something so special and wishes to pay respects to the family and friends of Anthony Lee, Owen Sheilds and Gavin Harrison who will be remembered at every footy game held at the Barunga Oval.
