SANFL launches Reconciliation Action Plan

Monday June 26

By SANFL Media

The SANFL is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, SANFL’s first Reflect RAP has been developed over the past 12 months to strengthen the League’s relationship with First Nations communities and embed reconciliation across the breadth of SANFL.

The RAP was launched at SANFL’s annual First Nations Dinner held at Adelaide Oval on Monday night, ahead of this weekend’s First Nations Round in the Hostplus SANFL League.

SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler said SANFL’s Reflect RAP aims to provide a framework for SANFL to commence its pathway to meaningful and respectful engagement with First Nations Peoples and to understand more about their cultures and customs and the issues they face.

“This is an important and proud time for SANFL – to receive Reconciliation Australia’s accreditation for our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan,” Mr Chandler said.

“Australian football is part of the fabric of South Australian history and culture and, as the governing body of the most participated club sport in this State, we are committed to the pursuit of reconciliation between First Nations Peoples and the broader South Australian community.

“SANFL’s vision is to connect communities through the enjoyment of footy. Our Reflect RAP presents us with an opportunity to celebrate the history, heritage and culture of First Nations Peoples and work towards a more equitable and reconciled Australia.”

Mr Chandler said diversity and inclusion were already a focus for SANFL, ensuring football was a welcoming and safe environment, providing opportunities for all South Australians.

SANFL also delivers a number of First Nations programs and competitions, including the SANFL APY League across communities on the remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands in South Australia and Northern Territory.

“We are committed to ensuring First Nations peoples can thrive when they are part of the football community, whether it be through playing, officiating, employment or business opportunities,” he said.

Mr Chandler said the Reflect RAP was a “living document” which provided a road map for the journey and an outline of SANFL’s commitment to reconciliation for 2023 and beyond for all levels of SANFL, from the SA Football Commission to its daily operations teams right across the State.

In its journey towards reconciliation, over the coming year SANFL would:

• Strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations
• Promote reconciliation and positive race relations to work towards stamping out racism in our game and the broader community
• Increase procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses
• Create Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment strategies
• Provide tools, resources and activities to help our people better understand and celebrate First Nations people and their culture, histories, knowledge and rights.

SANFL engaged local First Nations business Ochre Dawn to support consultation and design for the Reflect RAP document. It was also pleased to commission Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, Narungga, Wirangu artist Gabriel Stengle to create its inaugural RAP artwork, a reflection of the SANFL story.

Titled “Journey”, the artwork (pictured above) represents SANFL and its people, the connections football provides between people and communities and the inclusiveness of SANFL and football.