Families, football clubs and community groups gathered in Glenorchy on Saturday for Kick it to KGV, a free event celebrating inclusion and the area’s multicultural community through sport.
The event featured free food, entertainment, giveaways and t-shirts for the first 100 attendees, along with a special appearance from Brisbane Lions premiership player Ashley McGrath.
It wrapped up with a community walk to KGV Oval to support Glenorchy Football Club as it took on Brighton in both the senior men’s and women’s competitions.
Kick it to KGV was a joint effort between Glenorchy Football Club, AFL Tasmania, Karadi Aboriginal Corporation, Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania, the Big Tassie Walk and Glenorchy City Council.
Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania CEO Gillian Long said the organisation was proud to be involved.
“Glenorchy is home to many of the individuals and families we support, making it a fitting place to bring people together to celebrate the strength and diversity of our community through sport, food and fun,” she said.
Long said the event also marked the launch of the second Big Tassie Walk, a walking challenge celebrating Tasmania’s diversity and raising funds for the centre’s work.
Glenorchy City Council Mayor Sue Hickey called it a strong example of organisations working together.
“Sport has an incredible way of connecting people, but this event was about much more than football,” Hickey said.
“It’s an opportunity for people to meet each other, learn about local services and celebrate the diversity that makes Glenorchy such a vibrant community.”
Karadi Aboriginal Corporation CEO Miriam Moreton said the day was about creating a welcoming space.
“Through sport, shared meals and time together, we’re creating opportunities for people to build relationships, celebrate diversity and strengthen community connections,” Moreton said.
“We aim to ensure everyone who comes along leaves feeling welcomed, connected and proud to be part of the Glenorchy community.”
