A Powerful Afternoon with Adam Goodes and Aboriginal Incursions
7 years ago, Sienna and Krystal Dawson met their sporting AFL hero, Adam Goodes — two proud young fans inspired by his strength and spirit.
7 years later, they meet again — still fans, but now walking the same path, keeping culture strong.
From super fans to cultural leaders, they’re proudly delivering Paint Your Own Boomerang workshops for Blakout Construction’s new Mascot office – keeping the flame of Aboriginal culture burning bright for the next generation.
Why this event mattered
Adam Goodes isn’t just a sporting icon: as an Adnyamathanha and Narungga man, he carries First Nations heritage, leadership and advocacy. When our Aboriginal Incursions educators invited him to join the boomerang-painting experience, it became far more than a craft session – it was a celebration of identity, cultural pride and community.
Our core objective with the workshop was to engage participants in creative expression while grounding the experience in authentic Aboriginal art, symbols and story. (This is a hallmark of our workshops at Aboriginal Incursions).
Adam’s presence elevated the day – giving participants an opportunity to meet someone who lives at the intersection of sport, culture and advocacy. He shared insights, encouraged questions and joined in the painting activity, helping to bring the boomerang-workshop concept alive in a deeply meaningful way.
What we did
Here’s a summary of how the afternoon unfolded:
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Welcome & Culture Talk
We commenced with a short welcome by our First Nations educator, acknowledging Country and sharing the significance of the boomerang, the role of art and stories in Indigenous culture, and how symbols communicate meaning. -
Adam’s Address
Adam Goodes gave a short talk about his journey – his culture, his connection to land, community and sport – and why opportunities like this workshop matter for bridging worlds and fostering mutual respect. -
Painting Your Own Boomerang
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- Each participant received a ready-to-paint wooden boomerang (25-30 cm size).
- Our educator guided everyone through key Aboriginal symbols: dot-work, animal tracks, pathways, community motifs — explaining their meanings and how they relate to “Dreaming stories”.
- Participants sketched and painted their own design – while Adam moved among the groups, offering encouragement, chatting about inspiration, capturing photographs with attendees.
- Everyone took home their boomerang as a keepsake – a symbol of the day and their creative journey.
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Reflection & Sharing
We closed with a sharing circle: people showed their painted boomerangs, explained their symbolism, and Adam offered reflections about authenticity, respect and continuing culture through art.
Why it matters to Aboriginal Incursions
At Aboriginal Incursions, our mission is to build “cultural understanding, connection and respect” through immersive, authentic experiences.
This event with Adam Goodes exemplified that mission:
- It combined art + story + heritage in a hands-on way.
- It gave participants access to a First Nations role model who lives culture and leadership.
- It created a shared experience of learning and creativity, not just passive observation.
- It reinforced the notion: culture is living, dynamic, and inclusive – and art is a powerful medium for connecting our past with our present.
Looking ahead
We’re excited to offer more workshops blending First Nations leaders, creative practice and community engagement. If you would like to participate in, host or commission a “Paint Your Own Boomerang” session — whether in schools, corporate settings or community events – we’re ready to bring it to life.
Thank you to Adam Goodes for joining us, and to everyone who attended. Together we celebrated story, art and culture – and carried home more than just a painted boomerang. We carried a connection.
