Subhead:An indigenous ceremony has drawn fierce criticism after the ceremony veered into woke political hot takes and self promotion.#
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A Welcome to Country delivered before the AFLW preliminary final in Ipswich has ignited a firestorm across social media and talkback radio, with fans slamming Aboriginal elder Louisa Bonner for hijacking the moment for political messaging and self-promotion.
The ceremony, delivered ahead of the Brisbane Lions vs Carlton Blues clash, started in conventional fashion before taking a sharp turn that left many spectators stunned. Clips of the speech quickly circulated online, sparking fierce debate about what the role of a Welcome to Country should be.
Welcome to Country ceremonies in Australia are actually approaching Maoist Cultural Revolution style fervour.
Check out this recent one before a women’s football match. Hard not to see it as anything other than a humiliation ritual for Australians. pic.twitter.com/jwlEjjAMfv
— Drew Pavlou 🇦🇺🇺🇸🇺🇦🇹🇼 (@DrewPavlou) November 24, 2025
Bonner opened with a customary acknowledgement, saying: “Thank you very much for the lovely introduction,” and introducing herself as a representative of the Ugarapul, Jagera, Turrbal and Darumbal peoples. She outlined the boundaries of Yuggera country, where the match was held.
