Australian singer John Williamson will perform his song “True Blue” before the start of play on Day 1 of the Adelaide Ashes Test tomorrow, as the cricket community pauses to honour the victims of the Bondi shootings.
The tribute will take place ahead of the opening ball, following a moment’s silence and before the Welcome to Country and the national anthems, which will be performed by Emma Kavanagh and Jessica Mills. Players from both Australia and England will wear black armbands, while flags at Adelaide Oval will be flown at half-mast.
Cricket Australia said the performance is intended to provide a moment of collective reflection and unity, as millions of viewers across the country and abroad watch the opening of the Test.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the tragedy had touched people far beyond the immediate community. “This is a tragic time for all Australians and the thoughts of everyone in the cricket world are with the victims of this terrible event, their families, friends and the Jewish community,” he said.
Greenberg acknowledged the limits of sport in moments of national grief, while pointing to its ability to bring people together. “While sport can seem insignificant at times like this, we have the unusual opportunity to bring millions of people together to pay tribute, to console and to contemplate what we want our nation to be,” he said.
He said Williamson’s decision to perform carried particular meaning. “I’m grateful John has agreed to perform ‘True Blue’ which has at its essence the ideal of Australians from all backgrounds sharing the same hopes and aspirations,” Greenberg said.
Greenberg also quoted Williamson’s recent reflections on unity, saying the singer had expressed a belief that “I believe in a multicultural society, one where all Australians come together in unity to celebrate our unique multicultural nature and freedoms”.
Cricket Australia said it would continue to consider further ways the game could acknowledge and support those affected. “We will continue to look at ways cricket can support and honour those who have been affected by the Bondi shootings and thank those who provided assistance during and since this tragedy,” Greenberg said.
The ceremony will set a sombre tone at Adelaide Oval as the Ashes series resumes, with the tribute designed to recognise loss, stand with affected communities and reflect on shared values at a moment of national mourning.
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