Antony Perry
20 October 2016: A University of Canberra academic is helping increase awareness and recognition of the traditional Aboriginal game of Buroinjin.
John Williams, an assistant professor in health and physical education, has worked tirelessly over the last eight years to develop and promote the sport in Canberra.
Buroinjin is a variation of European handball that was traditionally played by the Kabi Kabi people of southern Queensland. It is now played in a number of schools across the ACT using adapted rules developed in conjunction with the Aboriginal Corporation for Sport and Recreational Activities.
Dr Williams has worked closely with Indigenous education officers and health and physical education teachers at local schools to incorporate the game into the curriculum.
“My PhD was about Indigenous games in physical education so it is something that I am passionate about,” he said.
“Playing Buroinjin is important for reconciliation and is an example of a strengths based approach in the new Australian Curriculum for Health and Physical Education.
“The game uses more fundamental movement skills than any other game that we play in contemporary physical education in schools.”
The sport’s popularity has extended beyond the school yards of local schools, with the University hosting the inaugural Buroinjin Community Challenge on 19 October.
The event was organised by Randall Starr, a University of Canberra health and physical education student teacher, on behalf of the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Strategy.
Five teams took part in the challenge which was won by a group of physical education student teachers from the University. The staff outfit claimed a gripping penalty shoot-out victory against Melba Copland Secondary School in the final.
Among the participants on the day was former Wallabies and ACT Brumbies star Joe Roff, now University of Canberra Union CEO.
Mr Roff scored close to 1,000 points during a decorated rugby career, but said his experience playing Buroinjin wasn’t as glamourous.
“It’s a humbling experience,” Mr Roff laughed.
“When you’re having the ball stripped off you by a Year 10 student, it’s very humbling. But it’s great fun and the high schoolers love it.”
Mr Roff said the initiative was also a great way of interacting with students in the local area.
“It’s a great way of engaging with our local high schools,” he said.
“As a university that is aspiring to be the best university for sport in Australia, it’s important to get local students visiting our campus to see what facilities and activities we have here.”
