Rumba started with a memory, a wish and a vision. And a long torpedo from the centre of the ground, at a challenging time in our people’s history. Rumba is an expression of who we are, our culture and our identity. It is very much symbolic of our people’s aspiration to engage, compete and to establish a level playing field.
Today the club is a reflection of this aspiration and the determination of our community. It generates high ideals and enormous passion — the same high ideals and passions that have been part of the great Aboriginal sportspeople and teams throughout our journey from the late 1890s to the present.
Rumba consistently reminds me of this history and the endeavours of our elders. It reminds me of the ‘Invincibles’, the great Cummeragunja teams of the 1920s and early 1930s; of the fireside stories told to me by my father, who played in those teams and who was born at Cummera in 1898, the year of the first premiership.
Rumba started with a memory, a wish and a vision. And a long torpedo from the centre of the ground, at a challenging time in our people’s history. Rumba is an expression of who we are, our culture and our identity. It is very much symbolic of our people’s aspiration to engage, compete and to establish a level playing field.
Today the club is a reflection of this aspiration and the determination of our community. It generates high ideals and enormous passion — the same high ideals and passions that have been part of the great Aboriginal sportspeople and teams throughout our journey from the late 1890s to the present.
Rumba consistently reminds me of this history and the endeavours of our elders. It reminds me of the ‘Invincibles’, the great Cummeragunja teams of the 1920s and early 1930s; of the fireside stories told to me by my father, who played in those teams and who was born at Cummera in 1898, the year of the first premiership.
These stories are to be treasured and shared in respect of our ancestors and elders. They are the building blocks of our esteem; we owe it to our ancestors to instil these memories in our young players and share them with all peoples. What is special about our club is that it gives opportunities for our elders to relate to their young people and for young people to show respect and perform for their elders.
The club has shown itself to be a place of spiritual and cultural renaissance, that can contribute to our future in a way that no other club or institution can. Rumba has changed the lives of so many people in the most positive and spiritual way. Rumbalara is not only a place of joy, laughter and celebration; it is a platform from which to build sound friendships and solid partnerships. Rumbalara makes it possible to share a meal and a cup of tea, to heal our community and to build black-white relationships.
Many people from many varied backgrounds have joined us on our journey and we are a greater club for their spirit of friendship. Personal relationships are integral to the intricate web of social cohesion and aspiration that is constantly building in the club and the community.
We dedicate our 21 years and this publication to our ancestors, elders and to all of you who have made a contribution either as a player, volunteer, administrator, sponsor or supporter. Especially, to all of you who are the keepers of the memories of our journey — Marn Grook, Maloga, Cummeragunja, Rumbalara — we continue our journey and thank you for your contribution over the past 21 years.
Rumba welcomes all of you who wish to join us for the journey ahead.
Yours in spirit of sport and fair play,
Paul Briggs
President
