Melbourne Football Club has welcomed the World Health Organisation’s announcement that Australia has become the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health issue.
Melbourne has been in partnership with Melbourne University’s Indigenous Eye Health Unit Minum Barreng since 2010, using the club’s platform to promote important hygiene messages such as ‘Clean Faces, Strong Eyes’ and ‘Milpa’s Six Steps to Stop Germs’ in the pursuit of eliminating trachoma in Australia.
Trachoma is the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness and in Australia, has particularly affected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The partnership between Minum Barreng and the Melbourne Football Club traces back to 2010, when Professor Hugh Taylor, Chair of Indigenous Eye Health at The University of Melbourne and a mad Demons supporter, travelled to Yuendumu alongside Jim Stynes, Liam Jurrah, and several players and staff.
During the visit, Professor Taylor observed that effective health promotion materials in remote clinics prominently featured footballers.
Throughout the ensuing partnership with Minum Barreng, the club has helped to create TV and radio campaigns for regional communities, featuring Demons AFL and AFLW players to promote the campaign’s messaging.
Demons vice-captain and Jim Stynes Foundation board member Jack Viney said the elimination of trachoma was an outstanding achievement for all who have influenced the elimination of the disease.
"On behalf of our football club and the Jim Stynes Foundation, we're very proud of the role we have played in bringing about this important milestone," Viney said.
"The Indigenous Eye Health Unit is one of the Foundation's partners, so this is a cause close to our hearts."
Each year when the Demons play in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), players and staff visit local communities alongside Milpa and the Minum Barreng trachoma team.
This will continue in 2026 ahead of the Demons’ clash with Greater Western Sydney in Alice Springs in Round 12.
Associate Professor Mitchell Anjou AM, Head of Minum Barreng at The University of Melbourne, said the partnership has had a lasting impact.
“Minum Barreng’s long-standing partnership with the Melbourne Football Club has played an important role in connecting with communities and supporting the work to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem in Australia.
“We’re grateful for MFC’s genuine commitment over many years. This milestone is something many people have contributed to — and it’s something to be proud of.
“At the same time, we know the work doesn’t stop here. Staying committed to prevention and community-led effort is what will keep trachoma away.”
