Football Australia has today released its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Progress Report detailing the work undertaken by the organisation over the past 12 months following the publication of its first Reflect RAP in 2022.
The report outlines the advancements made by Football Australia in delivering to targets set as part of the sport's contribution to Reconciliation and being a true partner on this journey.
National Indigenous Advisory Group Co-chair, Jade North, said: "It's undisputed that football fosters strong and positive relationships between all members of the Australian community, brand-new and evolving."
"I welcome the entire football network as they are taking foundational steps to promote First Nations engagement in all parts of the game, and giving back to the community. Through NIAG, First Nations people have the chance to develop and strengthen relationships of trust that support a strong culture."
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, re-confirmed the organisation's commitment to recognising, celebrating and respecting First Nations peoples and building prospects to increase their participation in football.
"When we set out on this path of opportunity for Australian football, we pledged to strengthen our connections with the histories, communities, and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," Johnson said.
"That commitment continues to be unwavering to develop a road map with the objective of respecting the world's oldest continuously existing culture and promoting the social and economic inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."
Since the implementation of the RAP, notable highlights have included:
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Football Australia's RAP governance structure and procedure have been strengthened and formalised to assist our capacity to accomplish our goals
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Steadfast and public support from Football Australia for Uluru Statement From the Heart
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All staff participation in Cultural Competency education sessions, cultural immersion activities and informal briefings to inform organisational response, promotion or support regarding major events
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Continued recognition and embedding of First Nations histories in our national team and national competitions
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Introduction and fostering of flexible working arrangements on January 26 and respective dates of significance
The report also outlines the areas for greater focus as Football Australia moves to develop its Innovate RA
"We acknowledge the challenges and the spheres where we have an obligation to learn from our experiences and set higher ambitions. A stronger Australia as a sporting nation will result from our commitment to connect key football stakeholders to First Nations culture," Johnson continued.
"Football Australia will advance and respect principles of self-determination and reconciliation in support of the development of culturally safe environments that enable First Nations Peoples to have equitable access at every level of our sport."
Football Australia will continue to work with the National Indigenous Advisory Group to centre the voices of First Nations peoples in the development of the next tranche of measurable outcomes.
Click HERE to read the Reflect RAP Progress Report.
