Celestial Footy to be launched in Bendigo
‘Celestial Footy’, a book on the history of Chinese heritage Australian Rules football will be launched in Bendigo at the All Seasons Hotel on Saturday December 2nd 2023
In "Celestial Footy, the story of Chinese Heritage Aussie Rules", author Patrick Skene chronicles the participation and passion of Chinese heritage immigrants and their descendants in Australia's beloved national game – Australian Rules Football.
Bendigo has a special place in the book as the birthplace of the Chinese Aussie Rules tradition - the home of Henry James Chin Kit, the pioneer Chinese footy player who first played for Ironbark in 1882. Other Bendigo players covered in the book include Russell Goldfield Jack, Ron Wee Hee and Ian Chinn who went on to play with South Melbourne before World War II.
From Darwin to Adelaide to Perth, from Broome to Melbourne to the Victorian Goldfields, Celestial Footy celebrates the lives of pioneers such as Wally Koochew and Les Kew Ming, modern day champions such as Les Fong, Lin Jong and Darcy Vescio and Chinese-Australian football clubs such as Melbourne's Young Chinese League team, the Darwin Buffaloes and Ballarat's Golden Point Rice Eaters.
Skene reveals a powerful narrative with significant contemporary relevance: "The Chinese footy tradition is more than 140 years old and it is one of the hidden stories in Australian sporting history.
“The sheer numbers of the community that played the game is extraordinary and Bendigo is where it all started.”
Published by Hardie Grant Media, in partnership with the AFL, the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and Cultural Pulse, Celestial Footy is a unique, timely and important addition to Australia's sporting history, as well as that of the broader Chinese-Australian narrative of assimilation, struggle, identity and community.
More than a football book, Celestial Footy tells the powerful story of the Chinese-Australian men and women who overcame obstacles and adversity to play the game they loved.
Carlton AFLW star Darcy Vescio designed the book cover inspired by Chinese calligraphy and coaches whiteboard drawings.
The event is supported by the Golden Dragon Museum and the Bendigo Chinese Association.
Event Details:
Event: Celestial Footy Book Launch
Date: Saturday December 2nd, 2023
Venue: All Seasons Resort Hotel - Conservatory Room, 171/183 McIvor Hwy, Strathdale, Bendigo
Time: 4pm - 6pm
Cost: Free
Register for the event: https://events.humanitix.com/celestial-footy-book-launch-bendigo
Books available for sale on the night
For more details or to interview the author please contact
