A gift exchange is a tradition that has always been an important part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.  

The tradition shows respect to the receiver as well as to their family and ancestors. 

The Brisbane Lions will gift the Gold Coast Suns a Coolamon, containing clap sticks created by ex-Lions player and proud Kooma/Kunja man, Rhan Hooper. 

The Coolamon is traditionally used by Indigenous people, carrying anything from water to babies, it is made from the box tree and can also be used for smoking ceremonies.  

The Clap Sticks are made from the mulga tree and both are cut and gathered on Kooma country.  

The Mulga Clapsticks are musical Instruments, used to keep the rhythm of a song or dance.

Learn more about Rhan's work here.