Richmond has committed to supporting reconciliation in Australia by launching the “Maurice Rioli Reconciliation Action Plan” (RAP).
Work commenced on the RAP in October 2010, as the Club moved to formalise its work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and develop clear actions, which will support reconciliation in Australia.
Federal member for Jagajaga, Jenny Macklin, launched the RAP at the 2011 Dreamtime at the 'G match. It was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia Board Director Dr Tom Calma.
Richmond is the second elite sporting organisation in Australia to adopt a RAP.
The Club has developed a number of important relationships with communities in the Northern Territory during the past four years, especially in Central Australia.
It has established an Indigenous Advisory Group, which provides advice around relationship building, culture and events, and helps organise the use of the Club’s facilities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups.
The RAP has been named in honor of Maurice Rioli, who is considered one of the finest players to ever pull on the famous Richmond guernsey, and a pioneer for Indigenous footballers.
“The Richmond Football Club is genuine about playing its role in the promotion of reconciliation. As such, we see the establishment of the Maurice Rioli Reconciliation Action Plan as a very significant step forward,” said Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale.
“It provides us with a clear understanding of where we can make a positive contribution to the reconciliation process, and takes on added significance given the recent establishment of the Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI) in the ME Bank Centre at Punt Road Oval.
“The KGI is a centre committed to young Indigenous people and the delivery of leadership, education and employment outcomes. We want the KGI to be a unique, innovative and culturally safe place for young Indigenous people to develop. Our RAP provides an important framework for those activities as well.
“On behalf of the Richmond Football Club, I would like to congratulate Reconciliation Australia for the important role it plays in promoting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.”
Over a 12-month period, the RAP will focus on engaging, consulting and building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations, educate its staff on Indigenous culture, as well as provide employment opportunities and shared experiences.
“Richmond’s RAP certainly exemplifies unity, relentlessness and leadership - qualities that embodied the man in whose honour this RAP is named, the late Richmond champion, Maurice Rioli,” Dr Tom Calma said.
“The ‘Yellow and Black’ core values of the Club connect the past, present and future, which are also fundamental elements in achieving reconciliation.
“We believe that this RAP will be sustained for years to come, as it is backed by a sound business case that I believe will directly result in success on and off the field,” Dr Calma said.
Click here to download the Maurice Rioli Reconciliation Action Plan.
