Fans had a chance to take home a piece of history as The City of Sydney and the South Sydney Rabbitohs celebrated the future of Redfern Park on Saturday 16 September 2006.
A collection of famous Souths players autographed seats from the old grandstand, before comedian and South’s mega-fan, Mikey Robbins auctioned the seats to the highest bidder. Moneys raised went to charity.
The Celebration Day honoured the historic past of the park as Souths’ spiritual home and celebrated the future of a brand new A-grade sports training facility. The plan to revitalise the park is part of the City of Sydney’s $50 million investment in Redfern.
Speeches were made by Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP and Executive Chairman of South Sydney Football Club, Peter Holmes à Court, who announced that in 2007 the team would wear a new jersey featuring a black rabbit in honour of the club's Indigenous heritage and fan base.
The first sod was turned by the Lord Mayor to a thunderous ovation by the 2,000 strong crowd.
Other Celebration Day highlights included:
Fun for the kids with Souths' Mascot, pass the ball competitions, Charlie the Rabbit and face painting;
Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by local Indigenous people;
Food from Indigenous and local caterers; and
Live local band and entertainment.
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