DARREN MONCRIEFF
Monday 16 April 2012
GALIWINKU'S Johnny Garawirrtja (pictured) was a happy man calling the shots at the recent KickStart championships on the Gold Coast.
Garawirrtja, 38, is one of about eight umpires officiating in the wet season football competition on Elcho Island, in east Arnhem Land.
He was invited by the AFLNT's Umpires division to officiate at the recently completed championships and he relished the chance.
Garawirrtja holds an AFL Level 3 Accreditation in umpiring.
It was around 10 years ago that he saw a need for umpires in his community. He used to play football but when he realised he was about to end his playing days he found another way to stay involved in the game.
"I used to play for St Mary's on the island," Garawirrtja said.
"But after I stopped playing I just wanted to do something. I saw that no-one was really doing it so I just grabbed the opportunity."
The Gold Coast was Garawirrtja's second major tournament he's been involved outside his competition.
In September last year he travelled to Darwin to umpire in the annual pre-season carnival, involving most of the Top End leagues and teams.
"This (the KickStart championships) has helped my development as an umpire," he said.
"It's a good thing to see all the young players too, this is great for them as well."
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 16/04/2012 14:19