The Western Bulldogs will celebrate the diversity of Melbourne’s west when they host Richmond at Marvel Stadium next Saturday, with cultural performances, multilingual services and a Hindi commentary forming part of the club’s Cultural Heritage Round.
The match will feature the AFL’s “Many Cultures, One Game” theme, with supporters welcomed by cultural dances and performances before the game, while match-day guides will be available in several languages to help new fans navigate the event.
A Hindi-language commentary of the match will also be available through Fox Sports 503 and Kayo, expanding access for one of Australia’s fastest-growing sporting audiences.
The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation will host an Introduction to AFL program before the match, giving international students from India and other countries an opportunity to learn about the game before attending the fixture.
Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains said the club viewed the event as an opportunity to recognise the changing face of Melbourne’s western suburbs and strengthen its connection with local communities.
“As the only professional sporting team based in the west of Melbourne, we see the phenomenal population growth through this corridor first-hand,” Bains said.
He said the club wanted “as many people throughout the region to embrace our game and our Club and to find a sense of belonging through it”, adding that the work undertaken by the club and its Community Foundation over many years was “having a really positive impact”.
“We’ve been looking at ways to make everyone feel safe and comfortable at our events and connected to our football club and this game will be a terrific opportunity to showcase that,” Bains said.
The AFL’s Cultural Heritage Series runs across both the AFL and AFLW seasons and recognises the many cultures represented throughout the competition. The program is now featured across 18 scheduled matches each season.
The Western Bulldogs have increasingly focused on engaging multicultural communities in Melbourne’s west through community programs, language initiatives and partnerships designed to introduce new audiences to Australian Rules football.
The club has also partnered with The Indian Sun to offer readers a discounted family pass for the Cultural Heritage Round match, with four tickets available for $50.
SPECIAL OFFER: Indian Sun readers can access a special family pass to the Cultural Heritage match – 4 tickets for only $50. Get your tickets today at: westernbulldogs.com.au/r20-
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
