McDonald-Tipungwuti shares inspiring story

Anthony and his mother Jane McDonald returned to Drouin last week as guest speakers for the monthly ‘Tools Down’ program, an initiative started by a group of local men in Warragul.

‘Tools Down’ began in July 2017, with chairperson Clinton Tepper explaining that he and a few others saw the need for a support system for men in the area, which is a big part of why the group gathers every month.

“We went down to a similar group in Melbourne to have a look, we thought a lot of what they did would work, but in the country it would have to be a little different, so we wanted to give it a little bit of a different flavour,” he said.

Anthony and Jane talked the crowd through their story, from meeting on the Tiwi Islands, through to Anthony’s education at school in Drouin and the amount of work and perseverance it required for him to get to where he is today.

“I came down to Melbourne for an education, not for footy, I knew that there was something else for me other than what I was doing at Tiwi, so I chased that,” Anthony said. “Getting a good education was a big reason why I was then able to make my AFL dream come true,” he added.

He also touched on the importance of never giving up, even when he felt like he might have wanted to.

“It took me five years to get drafted, I was close a few times and wanted to give up, but I kept working and it happened,” he said to the crowd.

It’s an important part of Anthony’s life, being able to share his story with others. While his on-field talent speaks for itself, it’s often his work in schools and other communities that resonates profoundly among the many fans who have the opportunity to listen.

Since its inception, ‘Tools Down’ has grown from just 24 on the first night, to regularly seeing 70-80 men coming together to share a meal and listen to many different stories brought to them. They have had business owners, machinery collectors and now an AFL superstar speak at recent events, covering many different topics.

Mr Tepper said having Anthony and Jane along to share their story was brilliant.

“It’s huge, having them come along and speak to our group, which over 150 people have come along to tonight. It’s wonderful, they understand the concept of Tools Down and wanted to share, they want to help people through tough times as well,” he said.

Pete Wells, one of Chairo’s principals said that he remembers enrolling Anthony in Year 10 at Chairo, where he could barely speak English.

“To see Anthony now entertaining and inspiring an audience of over 150 blokes is remarkable, it’s a real testament to who he is as a person, it’s just as impressive as his on field talent. We aren’t all Essendon fans, but I think everyone is a ‘Walla’ fan now,” he said.

“Tools Down provides a safe place for blokes to share a meal, share some thinking and be encouraged in life’s journey,” Mr Wells added.

For more information on Tools Down, visit the Facebook page at Tools Down Warragul.