Bathurst Giants AFL Club will offer a number of scholarships for Indigenous players, using the money raised from the weekend's Indigenous jersey auction.
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While the club has been running the auction for a few years, this is the first time all of the money raised has been put towards a scholarship within the club.
"Previously we would donate half the money to an Indigenous charity or organisation but this year we're changing it up and starting multiple scholarships for indigenous players," Indigenous Giants player Hailee Provest said.
"That money goes towards boots, registration, uniforms and just for Indigenous players who are in need of financial support or kids who haven't played before but are interested in joining."
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Following the Indigenous round last Saturday, 23 jerseys were auctioned off with a total of $4210 being raised.
The jerseys were designed by Giants player Josh Sly, who also conducted a smoking ceremony prior to the first grade clash with Dubbo.
Ms Provest came up with the scholarship concept, wanting to do something meaningful with the money raised as well as supporting the club's Indigenous players.
"Hopefully it will encourage more Indigenous players to join," she said.
"The feedback from the Indigenous round as a whole has been really positive, the non-Indigenous people have said they've learnt a lot.
"It's a positive step towards reconciliation."
The club plans to continue the scholarship initiative in the coming years, celebrating the Indigenous culture.
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