MARIE Dennis started her Vigoro career as a six year old in a town 1300km North of Ipswich called Ayr.
Now 36 years later she still loves playing the sport and loves her beloved Wildcats family here in Ipswich.
The Ipswich Vigoro Association wanted to appoint a First Nations Project Officer here in Ipswich and they couldn’t go past Marie who is passionate about her culture.
Marie is a proud Birri Gubba Woman and thanked the association for trusting her.
The Ipswich Association now has two First Nations Rounds with the second one to be played this Saturday where an Indigenous side will play an Allstars team.
Her wildcats side plays in an Indigenous designed shirt which Marie helped design.
Association President Karen Lawrie said having Marie on board to drive the First Nations Round has been so important to ensure we are doing things the right way.
Lawrie was also full of praise for Marie saying her knowledge and experience had helped guide the Ipswich Vigoro Association to understand and better support our First Nation players and community.
Marie reached the top of the sport in 2000 when she was named in the U21 Australian honorary side which travelled to New Zealand to help branch the sport internationally.
Unfortunately, outdoor cricket started blossoming at this time which made it difficult for Vigoro.
Marie is thriving in the role which has given her a great opportunity to create a culturally safe sporting environment for players and spectators.
“I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I couldn’t play Vigoro,” she said with a smile.
“I’ve played with my Nan, my mum, my son, my Aunties, brothers, sisters, cousins and a lot of great friends.
“The people in the Ipswich Vigoro Association have become an extended family over the years and have been a big part of my life story.
“The First Nations Rounds were introduced to encourage more community members to come and join this amazing game we all love.
“The first round was a huge success but we hope to go bigger and better this time with a firestick demonstration, Boomerang Painting and we have worked more collaborative with Wirrinyah,” she said.
