Giles Cubby and Zaidon Britt will play for Goodooga Magpies under 17s
Around 13 per cent of residents in the NSW country town of Dubbo identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and residents are very upset about a letter they received from the Housing Office of the Department of Families and Community Services (FACS).
This upcoming long weekend, Dubbo will be celebrating the Koori Knockout and it's clear from the letter that authorities are expecting trouble. They wrote to all housing residents asking them to contact police for advice on "how to manage situations that get out of hand."
As the warmer months of the year approach ... FACS is well aware there are a number of activities scheduled to take place in Dubbo.
One of these activities is the NSW Annual Aboriginal Football Knockout to be held in Dubbo over the long weekend.
Please be assured that FACS is very supportive of all activities, in particular the football event.
However, we are aware that the football, in particular, brings high numbers of visitors into Dubbo to celebrate this event with friends and family and many stay in social housing properties.
Having visitors is enjoyable however sometimes it may bring stress particularly if you are unsure of how to manage situations that get out of hand.
Iris Blackhall, a social housing resident who lives opposite the oval where the tournament will be held said she had never before received a letter telling her how to behave. "It's racially discriminating, I'm 60 years old and I don't go out of my way to make problems for anybody" she said.
FACS admits the letter was poorly worded and is now knocking on everyone's door, apologising for their mistake.
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