TYETDJI YULK

Kennedy Community Centre, Mcg and Cazalys

Tyetdji Yulk (yellow hawk) serves as a place where we actively listen to the stories, knowledge, and wisdom shared by Elders and community members, fostering a deeper understanding of culture and heritage. The space celebrates the achievements of past First Nations players, displaying cultural gifts, and honouring the richness of First Nations culture. This space continues to build connections between people, their past, and their shared heritage, fostering unity and a sense of belonging. 

Tyetdji Yulk at the Kennedy Community Centre

Across 2025, the space welcomed 293 young people from nine groups across Australia, offering them a guided tour of the facility and a safe, welcoming place to celebrate culture. Their visits highlighted how footy and culture sit side by side, each reinforcing community, connection and the stories that bring people together.

Tyetdji Yulk at the G

Held for the first time during Sir Doug Nicholls Round at the MCG, featuring the Tyetdji Yulk cultural room. The space included artefacts from past games, facilitated art workshop, previous Indigenous guernsey designs, and a photo display of all past Indigenous players. 430 people visited the space, providing excellent feedback. Many appreciated reconnecting with family and mob and having a safe place to yarn.

Tyetdji Yulk at Cazalys – Cairns

Tyetdji Yulk went interstate for AFLW Indigenous round, featuring artefacts and previous Indigenous guernseys. 68 people visited, enjoying the space and the beautiful Cairns sunset.

TYETDJI FRIENDS

We proudly delivered Tyetdji FRIENDS, a culturally adapted version of the program designed specifically for First Nations communities. Delivered by First Nations facilitators, the program ensures cultural relevance by incorporating yarning circles, which create a safe and inclusive environment for sharing experiences. This approach not only supports young people in managing anxiety but also strengthens cultural identity and community connection.

Through TYETDJI FRIENDS, participants engaged with inspiring role models who encourage confidence, self-expression, and resilience in ways that honour cultural traditions and perspectives.

The Hawks Community Foundation’s First Nations Internship Program continues to create meaningful pathways for young Indigenous people to gain real-world experience, build confidence, and explore careers in sport, community, and leadership. Interns have contributed across a range of departments, from supporting game-day operations and community initiatives to assisting with events such as employment expos and inclusion programs.  Through hands-on learning and mentorship, participants have developed valuable professional and personal skills while strengthening their connection to culture and community. The program has already seen outstanding outcomes, with several interns progressing into ongoing roles.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS ENGAGED

347 

NUMBER OF SESSIONS/EVENTS DELIVERED

170 

AVERAGE CONTACT HOURS PER PARTICIPANT

10 

NUMBER OF PARTNERS WORKED WITH

4 

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE PROGRAM

The School Attendance Program has seen remarkable success this year, with 1,668 students across the Northern Territory and Thursday Island achieving consistent attendance of 80% or higher across school terms.  Spanning 16 schools, the initiative has encouraged students to stay engaged in their education through ongoing support, recognition, and positive reinforcement. Celebrations have become a highlight of the program, with thank-you notes, photos, and smiling faces proudly holding prizes that recognise their commitment. These moments capture the true impact of the initiative: fostering a sense of pride, belonging, and motivation among young learners while strengthening community connections through education.

MATT HILL’S TRIP HOME

KATHERINE, NT

As part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, the Hawks travelled to Darwin, including a special trip home for one of our newest players, Matt Hill. Having grown up in Katherine, Matt had the chance to return to where it all began, bringing all 13 Premiership Cups with him. He visited his old schools, including Tyetdji school attendance program schools and spent time with local students, stopped by the local health clinic to see his grandma who are a Deadly Choices provider, and even made a visit to Katherine Gorge with his family and the Cups. It was a full-circle moment for Matt, who remembered being a kid when Shaun Burgoyne visited his school. Now, wearing the Brown and Gold, he had the chance to give that same inspiration back.

TRIP TO THE TORRES STRAIT

THURSDAY ISLAND, BADU AND HORN ISLAND

The Hawks Community Foundation’s visit to the Torres Strait Islands brought energy, inspiration, and connection to three vibrant communities Thursday Island, Badu, and Horn Island. Across the trip, more than 530 individual program interactions were recorded, demonstrating the incredible reach and enthusiasm of local young people. On Thursday Island, 75 kids honed their football skills through hands-on clinics, 55 took part in the FRIENDS Program focused on resilience and wellbeing, and 60 joined a boarding house dinner that promoted nutrition and healthy living. blending sport, learning, and mentorship in a powerful way. Over on Badu, the turnout soared, with 120 kids taking part in football clinics, 60 in wellbeing workshops, and 30 in a structured match that built teamwork and confidence, the island buzzing with excitement and community spirit. Horn Island rounded out the journey, where deeply engaged groups of young people explored football, health, and wellbeing activities tailored to their needs. The impact of the trip was far greater than numbers alone. Through the combination of sport, education, and social connection, young people across 

the Torres Strait were empowered to grow in confidence, resilience, and wellbeing. The presence of Mia Williams (Community Intern) and Janet Baird (Past Player) offered living examples of leadership and aspiration.

DEADLY CHOICES

Hawthorn Football Club and Deadly Choices work together to promote health and well-being in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, encouraging positive lifestyle choices through health screenings, physical activity, and diet. This partnership reflects Hawthorn’s commitment to community outreach and reconciliation. In 2025, Deadly Choices teamed up with the Hawthorn Football Club to design a youth health check T-shirt, proudly worn by players during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round and AFLW Indigenous round warm-ups to promote the importance of Indigenous health and wellbeing. As part of the initiative, 25 young people who had completed their health checks were invited to Bunjil Bagora to watch training, meet the team, and tour the club’s facilities. The following day, they were celebrated as the Guard of Honour at the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, celebrating their commitment to healthy living and recognising the strong partnership between Deadly Choices and Hawthorn in supporting Indigenous communities.

TYETDJI AWARDS

Our first-ever Tyetdji awards night celebrated young First Nations achievers across the country. Nominations were received from community connections and organisations, sharing inspiring stories nationwide. Winners were all highly deserving; results and their stories are available on the Tyetdji Instagram page. The night was a full team effort and will become an annual celebration, recognising and celebrating young mob who try their best and excel. Tyetdji program facilitators Jake Bourke (Taungurung) and Mia Williams (Noongar Ballardong) hosted the awards as part of the online ceremony, with a few special AFL and AFLW guests featured to announce the winners.

SCAN THE QR CODE to watch the full coverage of the Tyetdji Awards night.