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AFL SportsReady has launched its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at an event at Victoria Park, located on the land of the Wurundjeri people and the home of AFL SportsReady’s national office.

The day also marked the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, which is running from 27th May to 5th June, as “a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to contribute to building a reconciled Australia.”

AFL SportsReady has kick-started the careers of over 1,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees since 2000 and today’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan represents our promise to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through quality education and employment.

Outlining the commitment to reconciliation and equality is absolute, AFL SportsReady Chairman Steve Bracks stated “our plan puts in place a series of actions and accountabilities that are part of our contribution toward reducing the inequality and disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

“Through this Reconciliation Action Plan, AFL SportsReady will work to strengthen relationships, promote respect and create employment and education opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.”

Jade Colgan, Executive Manager for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs, is excited to be a part of the many positives that will take shape from this important milestone in our company’s journey.

Colgan explained “I want to make a difference for my people and my communities and feel AFL SportsReady is a place where I can make a real contribution.

“The Stretch RAP is a great step forward in continuing to strengthen the work we do and further embed responsibility and ownership across the whole business.”

AFL SportsReady’s vision for Reconciliation is:

• A united Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s heritage, cultures, histories and connection to communities and country are acknowledged and celebrated; and

• A fair Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the same opportunities and access to education, training and employment as other Australians.

Congratulating AFL SportsReady on the release of the inaugural RAP, Reconciliation Australia

Chief Executive Justin Mohamed stated “on behalf of Reconciliation Australia, I commend everyone at AFL SportsReady for pushing yourselves with a Stretch RAP. Your enhanced commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is a fine example to other organisations within your sphere of influence.”

“Thank you for your thoughtful dedication in formulating the RAP, it’s a great achievement. I look forward to following your evolving reconciliation journey.”

As per the commitment in the RAP, the launch event saw AFL SportsReady utilise the services of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses with the catering supplied by Charcoal Lane, the RAP designed by Marcus Lee and new program branding, Warumilang, designed by Dixon Patten.

The launch also showcased the many talents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees with former AFL SportsReady trainee, Daniel Dowd playing acoustic guitar, ArtsReady trainees assisting with the events catering and hospitality and finally the AFL Rio Tinto Footy Means Business team performing the Aboriginal ‘war cry’ to celebrate the launch.

Click here to view the Reconciliation Action Plan.

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