Incoming AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan today launched the AFL’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan 2014 – 2016.

Coinciding with  National Reconciliation Week and marking the 10 year anniversary of Dreamtime at the G in Indigenous Round, the launch took place at the MCG, located on the land of traditional owners, the Wurundjeri people. It was attended by Reconciliation Australia’s Anna Jovanovic, AFL Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick, Indigenous players from Essendon and Richmond and participants from the Rio Tinto Footy Means Business squad.

Gillon McLachlan said the positive impact Indigenous Australia has had on Australian Football could not be underestimated and must be formerly acknowledged and celebrated.

“It is appropriate that the AFL launch its Reconciliation Action Plan in Indigenous Round, Round 11 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season, a week in which we celebrate our country’s Indigenous culture and people that have shaped Australia’s Game.”

Mr McLachlan also announced that the AFL would appoint a National Indigenous Advisory Group as part of the Plan to provide strategic advice, guidance and support on Indigenous affairs and to drive positive outcomes. The Advisory Group will include Indigenous community representation.

“In 2014 nine per cent of our AFL players are Indigenous and over 90,000 Indigenous people are engaged in AFL football programs every year. We are proud to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Dreamtime at the G and the impact this flagship event has had on the community,” he said.

“We must continue to make progress and the AFL is committed to driving lasting, positive change through our game.

“The development of our first Reconciliation Action Plan is the next logical step for the AFL to build on what we have already achieved and is designed to formalise and promote our ongoing commitment to Indigenous people and their communities.”

Leah Armstrong, Chief Executive of Reconciliation Australia said the organisation was delighted to have the AFL detail its commitments to reconciliation.

“The AFL has already demonstrated it has great capacity to carry the Australian community on the reconciliation journey.

“On many levels sport – in particular Australian Football – has a critical role to play in the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  Sport, education and good health are what can really make a difference to individual and community wellbeing.

“On behalf of Reconciliation Australia I commend the AFL not only on this its first RAP but for the many years of actively encouraging the participation of Indigenous Australians to the game.”

The key aims of AFL Reconciliation Action Plan for 2014 – 2016:

• Improve participation: Increase the overall level of Indigenous Australians who participate in our game as players, coaches and umpires;
• Build Partnerships: In partnership with the Recognise campaign, support the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian constitution;
• Create employment opportunities: Refresh the AFL Indigenous employment strategy to increase the number of Indigenous employees across the AFL industry; and
• Acknowledge and celebrate Indigenous culture: Continue to build understanding and respect for Indigenous customs, values and traditions through education and the AFL’s ongoing focus on the Indigenous Round celebrations. 

The Reconciliation Action Plan can be viewed at:

http://www.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/AFL/Files/AFL-2014-RAP.pdf