Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), through their Directorate of Internationalization and International Office, collaborated with the Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) South Sulawesi Chapter and Speakable Youth to organize “Connecting Through Sport: Australian Footy Day” on Saturday, 10 October 2026. Held at the UNHAS Football Field in Makassar, the event introduced participants to Australian Rules Football (AFL) while promoting cultural exchange, friendship, and people-to-people connections between Indonesia and Australia.
The event featured a training session led by Kyle Taylor, an Australian football player representing the Jakarta Bintang team. During the session, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of Australian Rules Football, including basic techniques, game rules, and teamwork strategies. Through interactive demonstrations and practical exercises, attendees had the opportunity to experience the sport firsthand while developing their skills in a welcoming and collaborative environment. The event was also attended by Isaac Bennett, Consul at the Australian Consulate-General in Makassar, highlighting the role of sports in strengthening cultural understanding and community engagement between the two countries. His presence reflected the importance of initiatives that bring together young people and encourage meaningful connections beyond formal academic and diplomatic settings.
Beyond introducing a popular Australian sport, Australian Footy Day provided a platform for participants from diverse backgrounds to interact, communicate, and build friendships through shared physical activities. The collaboration between UNHAS, AIYA South Sulawesi, and Speakable Youth demonstrated how sports-based initiatives can create opportunities for intercultural learning and strengthen connections among students, youth communities, and international partners. Through this initiative, UNHAS reaffirmed their commitment to promoting international engagement beyond conventional academic activities. By combining sports, cultural exchange, and community participation, the event contributed to stronger Indonesia–Australia relations while encouraging an inclusive campus environment where young people can connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.
