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South West farm workers take part in Aus Day soccer tournament

Tristan WheelerManjimup-Bridgetown Times
The competition final was contested between Ladycroft Orchard (left) and Bamess Farm (right).
Camera IconThe competition final was contested between Ladycroft Orchard (left) and Bamess Farm (right). Credit: vegetablesWA

Farm workers from around the State converged on Deanmill for a soccer tournament held on Australia Day.

Deanmill Oval played host to the inaugural Pan Nation Cup, contested between seasonal farm workers from Vanuatu, East Timor, Fiji and Tonga.

Each match consisted of two five minute halves, with five players on each team and unlimited substitutes.

Teams represented the farm their players work for and players came from as far as Narrogin, Katanning and Kojonup to participate.

The final was contested between two teams from Manjimup, Bamess Farm and Ladycroft Orchard, with Bamess Farm emerging winners, beating their opposition 6-3.

VegetablesWA organised the tournament, with funding provided by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

“These workers will be in the country anywhere between six months and three years, so it’s important that we do our part to make them feel welcome and appreciated,” vegetablesWA labour scheme facilitator Melissa Denning said.

Deanmill Football Club, Manjimup United and local farms provided volunteers to help the tournament run smoothly.

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