Inner West Council is excited to support the inaugural Welcome Day 2023 at Henson Park on Saturday 24 June – a joyous event celebrating the creativity and diversity thriving in the inner west.
Iconic inner west rugby league team the Newtown Jets will host Welcome Day in partnership with local promoters The Music & Booze Company.
From 11am to 6pm there will be an array of performances, on and off the field, and a mouth-watering selection of food options.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said: “Once again the Newtown Jets are leading the way in promoting diversity and respect in the Inner West.
“Welcome Day is a wonderful example of how sport can bring the whole community together.”
DJs from community radio station FBi will be sending out the tunes, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir will lead a huge singalong and you’ll find heaps of games for the kids.
Of course, there will be lots of rugby – from both codes!
In the ultimate show of acceptance, for the first time the Jets will host Petersham Rugby Club to play men’s and women’s curtain-raisers on the day, before the Newtown Jets and Parramatta Eels go head-to-head in Marrickville.
The greatest rivalry in sport will be put to bed on this day and rugby and rugby league will come together, displaying true inclusiveness and respect.
Newtown Jets’ chief executive Stuart McCarthy said everyone is welcome at Henson Park.
“Everyone is welcome, everyone is equal, no matter their background, heritage, orientation, gender or ability,” said McCarthy.
“Welcome Day is a celebration of the rich diversity of our fabulous local community and reaffirms the Jets’ long history of inclusion of players and fans from all walks of life.”
A host of outlets from across the inner west will be offering plenty of delicious food and drink, including Archie Rose, Poor Toms, Young Henrys, Rolling Penny, Pepitos and Babas Place.
Festival-goers can tuck into crispy Mexican bites from Tito’s Tacos, Baba’s Place’s Mediterranean meats and slices from Slick Rick’s Pizza, just to name a few food options.
Tickets are available at the gate, but it is recommended purchasing online in advance. Jets members get free entry and do not require a ticket. Bookings can be made here.
