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The Western Australian Government is partnering with the Western Australian Football Commission (WAFC) and Netball WA to help stamp out racism in sport.

Western Australian Aboriginal Affairs Minister Peter Collier has this week announced that the Western Australian Government will provide a total of $225,000 to the sporting bodies to deliver cultural awareness programs aimed at eliminating racism.

Minister Collier said the WAFC would receive a grant of $100,000 and Netball WA would receive two separate grants totalling $125,000.

He explained "players will be involved and the overall aim will be to provide the necessary understanding to help stamp out racism on the football field and netball court.

"These grants from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs will help develop the understanding, awareness and engagement skills of a host of people who work with young Aboriginal people through sport.

"The programs are unique in that they ensure structured cultural awareness training is provided to top level sport administrators, so that appropriate messages around culture, respect and racism can be delivered from the top down."

For AFL, the program will see WAFC Commissioners; members of the executive; development staff; players; and officials of all nine WA Football League clubs receive training in cultural awareness.

Minister Collier added "given the high levels of participation by young Aboriginal men in football across the State, it is hoped that this increased awareness will lead to more positive experiences and development opportunities for young Aboriginal footballers."

A grant of $25,000 to Netball WA will see the development of an Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Program which will be delivered to Netball WA officials; administrators; coaches and umpires in seven locations across the State.

Netball WA will also receive a $100,000 grant to develop a pilot youth engagement program in Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing.

Minister Collier concluded "this pilot is about using netball to encourage Aboriginal girls to lead healthier lifestyles, to increase school attendance and to improve their chances of securing employment."

Image: AFL being played in Western Australia's Punmu community

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