Bringing AFLW ambitions to life for remote Indigenous communities

The Lake Nash Giants, a team of young Indigenous women from Alpurrurulam in the Northern Territory, will soon take the field in brand new jerseys supplied by the Giants and football boots donated by the Brisbane Lions AFLW, helping turn their football dreams into reality.

Lake Nash Giants Manager Katrina Kelly said the initiative gives the players confidence on and off the field.

“Wearing our own jerseys and boots gives us pride in our team and our community and confidence in ourselves. It shows the younger girls in our community that they can play footy too, and that their ambitions can be realised.”

Brisbane Lions Head of Women's Football Breeanna Brock said the club was proud to help back the women of Lake Nash and the Alpurrurulam community.

“There is something pretty unique when you hear of a remote Indigenous community rallying around their AFLW team with such passion. We’re really proud to play even a small part in supporting these young women to pursue their love of our code.”

Similarly, Giants Executive General Manager AFLW & Football Operations Alison Zell said we are proud to support the Lake Nash Giants, to promote development of the game in the remote communities of the Northern Territory and to foster the ambition and confidence of women in the communities.

Founder and Managing Director of JK Constructions NT Jason Jones said the initiative goes beyond footy gear.

“This is about helping people in communities to see what is possible. By backing the Lake Nash Giants, we’re supporting women in the communities, strengthening community connections, and showing that Indigenous-led businesses and national companies can work together to create opportunities, even in remote parts of the Northern Territory,” Mr Jones said.

BMD, an Australian privately-owned civil engineering construction and property development company with a long-standing presence in the Northern Territory, recently became a 49% shareholder in JK Constructions NT. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to create opportunities and positive impact for indigenous people and remote communities.

BMD Urban General Manager Strategy Tim McMahon added sport has the power to bring people and communities together to achieve more than they thought possible.

“This has long been part of BMD’s DNA. We are a community focused organisation. When we heard about the Lake Nash Giants, we saw an opportunity to utilise our connections with the Giants and our partnership with the Brisbane Lions to make a difference.

“It’s the simple things of listening to understand, supporting to help develop confidence and showing what is possible that enables people to believe in themselves. This was our motivation to support Katrina and the Lake Nash Giants,” Mr McMahon said.

This initiative showcases how businesses and communities can work together through sport to promote opportunities for young people in remote communities.