The GIANTS today launched the club’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan, the next step in the club leading the reconciliation process and building avenues for genuine inclusion through a better understanding of our country’s history.
The GIANTS continue to recognise the role the club can play in Reconciliation and has undertaken the first formal step by developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
A RAP is an agreed strategy of how an organisation intends to contribute to the task of reducing the disturbing gap in living standards between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
GIANTS Chairman Tony Shepherd AO launched the club’s first-ever RAP alongside Chief Executive Officer of Reconciliation Australia, Justin Mohamed, on Tuesday.
“We pride ourselves on being a family club like no other, bringing people together as one community,” said Mr Shepherd.
“Throughout our short existence, we have acknowledged and celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage and provided a platform for greater awareness and education to our wider community.
“As an organisation we reflect on our nation’s past and understand that we are building our club’s history.
“Part of developing that legacy is a commitment to building respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities from which our players, staff and fans come from.
“Our board, executive, staff and players are committed to being leaders in the reconciliation process.”
Mr Mohamed congratulated the GIANTS on the endorsement of its first RAP.
“The RAP will build the foundations for the relationships, respect and opportunities essential to reconciliation,” said Mr Mohamed.
“This Reflect RAP will assist the GIANTS to develop a solid RAP governance model and build the business case for future commitments to cultural learning, practicing cultural protocols, and promoting employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
Harmony, health, education and employment are the four key pillars of the GIANTS’ community program and will drive the club’s reconciliation journey, which commits to:
- Making the club accessible for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples, creating a space to connect socially and spiritually.
- Providing platforms for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate and benefit from the club’s existing health initiatives.
- Provide platforms for cultural awareness education for GIANTS staff and players as well as using game days as an opportunity to educate and celebrate heritage and culture.
- Develop genuine partnerships with different networks and organisations to build the club’s reputation as an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.
- To enrich the communities in which the club operates though a successful, entertaining football program and an engaging, meaningful community agenda.
As an organisation founded in the community with deep links to Indigenous Australia, the GIANTS have a proud track record of promoting and developing diversity and inclusion.
That includes the club’s existing Indigenous Programs; Indiguknow, Muamar and the Youth Indigenous Pathways Program.
“The GIANTS are committed to reconciliation and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of our nation,” said GIANTS CEO David Matthews.
“The GIANTS’ RAP aims to build respectful relationships and to raise awareness among our stakeholders to ensure shared ownership of what the GIANTS’ RAP means to our organisation and the broader communities in which we operate.
“We know we all must do more to foster diversity in the community and through everyone associated with the GIANTS we will remain committed to achieving even greater outcomes for Indigenous Australians.”
