CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015

CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
COMING TOGETHER
Clans and Country
My approach in creating the
symbol is that it has to have a
message that is simple, symbolic,
strong and communicates to all
Indigenous and non-Indigenous
people today. In this exercise
it is important that the Carlton
Football Club is inclusive of
all Indigenous groups, locally
and nationally, therefore it is
appropriate to create a piece
that is relevant and acceptable
by all groups.
The story in the symbol is based
on the following points being:
• People
• Culture
• Land
The overall composition is
based on the two most powerful
art forms, which are highly
regarded and respected
nationally and internationally,
being linear (line) and dot.
Linear being the most prevalent
and recorded historically as
the oldest art form in the world
today, plays an important part
of the composition which is
outlined below as follows:
• T he large foreground
stick figures represent
Unity, Solidarity, Strength,
Leadership and Respect. The
symbolic message through
these figures are powerful
and identifiable throughout
this continent and also within
other Indigenous communities
throughout the world. In this
case, the foreground figures
represent our respected
Elders.
• T he dot formations in the
background allows for the
overall composition to provide
a very simple and powerful
message. Within the dot
formation are subtle symbolic
representations of land, water,
sites and spirituality. Also
highlighted in the background
is the powerful symbol being
the concentric circle – the
circle of communication.
Clive ‘BIDJA’ Atkinson
Descendent of the Yorta Yorta
2015.
• T he smaller stick figures
represent clans or groups
coming together portraying
Harmony, Communication and
Respect.
CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
OUR VISION FOR RECONCILIATION
About the Reflect RAP
The Reconciliation Action Plan
(RAP) is about organisations
from every sector turning good
intentions into real actions
and rising to the challenge of
reconciling Australia. A RAP is a
business plan that uses a holistic
approach to create meaningful
relationships, enhanced respect
and promote sustainable
opportunities for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This Reflect RAP will allow
the Club to focus on building
relationships both internally and
externally, and raise awareness
with our stakeholders to ensure
there is a shared understanding
and ownership of our RAP
within the Club. Development
of our future RAPs will involve
consultation with staff across the
Club including Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander staff and
other stakeholders to achieve
our vision for reconciliation.
The RAP program includes four
types of RAPs, each offering a
different level of engagement
and support. In developing a
Reflect RAP, the Carlton Football
Club commits to completing the
following actions over the next
14 months to ensure we are
well positioned to implement
effective and mutually beneficial
initiatives as part of future
RAPs. Our future RAPs will
identify relationships, respect,
opportunities and actions
specific to our business and our
sphere of influence.
CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
FROM LEFT: CHRIS YARRAN,
ANDREW WALKER, SYD JACKSON,
CLEM SMITH AND LIAM JONES
WALKING THE HALLOWED TURF ON
NATIONAL SORRY DAY, 2015 AT THE
CARLTON FOOTBALL CLUB.
FOREWORD BY STEVEN TRIGG
Message
from the CEO
It is with great pleasure that the
Carlton Football Club presents
its inaugural Reconciliation
Action Plan (RAP).
The Club has gone down this
path, joining other AFL clubs, in
acknowledging the important
position of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islanders as the first
peoples of our nation.
Our RAP aims to provide a
framework to build respectful
relationships and to raise
awareness with our stakeholders
to ensure there is a shared
understanding and ownership of
our RAP within the Club.
Whilst there is a need to reflect
on, and address, elements
of the Club’s history, we are
committed to building respectful
relationships with Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander
communities from which our
players, staff and supporters
come from.
Our RAP seeks to play a lead
role in supporting Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islanders and
non-Indigenous Australians
to work together towards
reconciling Australia through the
power of football.
It is built upon the Club’s core
values of Unity, Responsibility
and Initiative. Our mission as
an organisation is to create
a greater sense of belonging
for all Carlton people and to
achieve this we are dedicated
to creating an environment that
is welcoming and inclusive of all
cultures.
I would also like to acknowledge
the Reconciliation Action
Plan Advisory Board. Their
leadership, guidance and
personal commitment to help
the Club build this important
framework will ensure Carlton
has a strong foundation to move
forward.
Our Club will continue to learn
by working collaboratively with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people and reflecting
on the reconciliation journey.
CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
I sincerely hope our inaugural
RAP starts us on a path to best
practice for the way in which
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander and non-Indigenous
people work together, both on
and off the field.
Steven Trigg
Chief Executive Officer
Carlton Football Club
SYD JACKSON
PLAYING CAREER: 1969 - 1976
GAMES: 136
GOALS: 165
NUMBER: 5
PREMIERSHIP PLAYER: 1970, 1972
CARLTON HALL OF FAME: 2006
RAP ADVISORY BOARD
STEVEN TRIGG
CARLTON FC CEO
“In my time here at the Club it has been a journey
of reflecting on the past with the goal of building
a strong foundation with which the Club can create
success both on and off the field.
It is important that as a Club we create a welcoming
and inclusive environment for all cultures. Our
Reconciliation Action Plan provides the actions
necessary to take real steps in building stronger
relationships and outcomes in partnership with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Our Club is genuinely committed to playing our role in
reconciling Australia through the power of football. ”
SYD JACKSON
CARLTON
PREMIERSHIP
PLAYER
“I am proud to be a Koara man of the Wongutha
people from the Western Desert of Western Australia.
Although I was removed from my family, homelands
and culture at an early age through assimilation
and removal policies of the time, I am proud and
humbled by the strength and resilience that my Stolen
Generation’s brothers and sisters have shown over
many generations. Some of us survived, others did
not. I played football across my three clubs knowing
seeing me play, and succeed at a game they all loved,
made them happy.
I am also very proud to be part of this Carlton Football
Club Reconciliation Action Plan, as the only way
forward to real healing and relationship building
between all Australians is through working, learning
and just being together. I welcome this great step
forward my Club has taken, and I encourage all
players, administrators, and our supporters across
Australia to get involved as it can only make us
stronger as a Club, and our nation a better place for
all Australians to live. What a great legacy for the
Carlton Football Club.”
CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
AUNTY PAM
PEDERSEN
YORTA YORTA ELDER
“As a proud Yorta Yorta Elder I welcome and
encourage the Carlton Football Club’s initiative to
develop and implement a Reconciliation Action Plan.
I am also the proud daughter of Pastor Sir Doug and
Lady Nicholls who committed their lives to actions
that promoted understanding and connection between
Aboriginal people and other Australians.
It is with great enthusiasm and honour that my family
and I support this Reconciliation Action Plan. We
acknowledge the genuine and respectful manner in
which the Club has approached this most significant
step in the process of healing.”
AARON CLARK
AFL VICTORIA
INDIGENOUS
PROGRAMS
MANAGER
“I am a proud descendent from the Tjap Whurrung
people of the Gunditjmara nation, raised at the
Framlingham Aboriginal reserve in south west Victoria.
I am extremely proud of the enthusiastic manner
shown by the Carlton FC in developing their very
first RAP. A guiding document that will provide a
platform for all levels of the Club to build long lasting
community relationships and mutually beneficial
relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities across Australia.
In my current position as Indigenous Programs
Manager at AFL Victoria I am intimately connected
through a broad range of levels in football, from grass
roots to the very elite. I get to witness daily the power
of sport to create social change and the positive effects
it has on my people. I look to past greats like Pastor
Sir Doug Nicholls and Syd Jackson, who have become
such iconic people for all Australians to be proud of.
ANDREW MCKAY
CARLTON FC
HEAD OF FOOTBALL
“The Carlton Football Club has a proud history of
Indigenous players including our four current players:
Andrew Walker, Chris Yarran, Liam Jones
and Clem Smith.
The Reconciliation Action Plan is important to set in
place some meaningful goals for our football club,
while also acting to educate and inform our playing
list and staff about our nation’s cultural heritage.
This is an important step to create greater
understanding and relationship building between all
Australians which can only make us stronger
as a nation and as a Club.”
SHAWN WILKEY
CARLTON FC
COMMUNITY &
DIVERSITY MANAGER
“I have been incredibly privileged to work with this
group of passionate individuals in crafting the Club’s
first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The cultural insight provided by Board members Aunty
Pam, Syd and Aaron along with our Aboriginal players
Andrew Walker, Chris Yarran, Liam Jones and Clem
Smith has ensured our RAP is both respectful and
challenging so that we strive to set high standards
within the industry and broader society for how we
engage with Australia’s First Peoples.
I’d like to make special mention to Michael Jamison
for representing the leadership group throughout the
entire process and Doug Stevenson, Senior Diversity
Officer at the Club for his tireless efforts in bringing
this to fruition.”
Well done to the Carlton FC on continuing to build
upon past legacy’s and nurturing a sense of belonging
going forward – something I have reconnected to via
my involvement in the Advisory board, 14 years after
having played at the club in 2001”.
CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
WHOLE OF CLUB APPROACH
Our Business
Our RAP
The Carlton Football Club is built
upon a rich history of diverse
cultures and committed to its
core values: Unity, Responsibility
and Initiative.
The Carlton Football Club is
committed to acknowledging
and respecting Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The Club employs more than
130 full time staff inclusive of
the playing group. Currently,
the Club employs four full time
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander employees, these
include four players Andrew
Walker, Chris Yarran, Liam
Jones and Clem Smith.
The Club engages closely with
the Carlton community and
more broadly in Melbourne’s
north however it has links to
various communities around
Australia. It is important that the
Club engages and represents
the wider community through
its actions. Our end goal is
to create a greater sense
of belonging for all Carlton
people and to achieve this we
are dedicated to creating an
environment that is welcoming
and inclusive of all cultures.
The Club aims to celebrate the
strong contributions Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander
players and staff have made to
the Club, both past and present.
Through the establishment of
its inaugural Reconciliation
Action Plan the Club aims to
strengthen its relationship with
the community and create
opportunities within our sphere
of influence to assist in creating
the right environment for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander success.
The establishment of our RAP
has been led by the Club’s Chief
Executive Officer, Steven Trigg
who is also Chairman of the RAP
Advisory Board.
Also championing the RAP
internally are RAP Advisory
Board Members Andrew McKay
(Head of Football) and Shawn
Wilkey (Community & Diversity
Manager) who is also Secretary.
CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
The Club has been incredibly
fortunate to have on its RAP
Advisory Board Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander
representatives Aunty Pam
Pedersen, Syd Jackson and
Aaron Clark.
The vast majority of staff at
the Club have clear actions
illustrated in the RAP where
they’ll play a key leadership role
in their areas of influence.
RAP sub-committee working
group members are assembled
on a project by project basis and
come from each of the major
areas of the Club.
Our Initiatives
In 2015, the Carlton Football
Club in association with the
Rumbalara Football & Netball
Club, conducted its annual
community camp on the lands
of the Yorta Yorta people.
During this time, the Club’s
senior leadership team from the
playing group led by Andrew
Walker conducted a Cultural
Tour along the Barmah Reserve.
During this Cultural Tour, Uncle
Col Walker educated the players
about the spiritual home of the
Yorta Yorta people, as well as
the importance and connection
to the land.
In 2015, Carlton was privileged
to have highly regarded and
well respected Yorta Yorta Artist
Clive ‘Bidja’ Atkinson design its
Indigenous Round guernsey. This
was an important moment in the
Club’s history as we paid respect
to Biami, the rainbow serpent,
the creation spirit with links to
the Yorta Yorta. Watjerrupna,
the Long Neck Tortoise was also
present, the totem of the Yorta
Yorta Nations and many other
Australian Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander groups. Finally,
Yenbena which symbolises Unity,
Solidarity, Harmony, Strength
and Respect featured on the
back of the guernsey.
Over the past three years,
the Club has worked with
Wurundjeri Elders to deliver
cultural education to students
that participate in its annual
Interfaith Cup. Bill Nicholson
and Uncle Colin Hunter have
delivered this cultural education
to secondary students which
included a Welcome to Country,
the connection to land and the
connections between Marngrook
and the modern version of
Australian Rules Football.
Furthering this commitment
to understanding culture,
Blues legend Syd Jackson
told his story of being a part
of the Stolen Generation, his
connection to Carlton and
how the Club can play a lead
role in reconciling Australia
through the power of football.
The work of Syd Jackson goes
well beyond Carlton through
his work at Roelands Village,
the Outback Academy and
Red Dust Heelers. The Club
will look to support Syd’s work
through the development of this
Reconciliation Action Plan.
CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
RELATIONSHIPS
Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Deliverables
Establish a RAP Working Group
CEO
May ‘15
1. A RAP Working Group is formed and operational to support the development
of our RAP, comprising of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and
other Australians.
2. The RAP Working Group will meet at least 4 times annually.
Develop external relationships
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW)
Senior Diversity Officer
May ‘15
3. A list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations
and stakeholders within our local area or sphere of influence that we could
approach to assist us in our understanding of the potential activities in our
future RAPs is developed.
HR Manager
Nov ‘15
4. Develop ‘Welcome Pack’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players/staff
as part of induction.
Events Manager
Jul ‘16
5. Invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members as special
guests to two official match day functions.
Media Manager
Sep ‘16
6. Include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Media Organisations
when facilitating media commitments.
Senior Diversity Officer
Dec ‘15
7. A s a part of the Club’s annual AFL Community Camp, incorporate the inclusion
of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Corporate Sales Manager
Dec ‘15
8. Present proposal outlining potential corporate partnerships that can help
support the sustainability of the RAP and the Club’s Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Programs.
Community Officer
Dec ‘15
9. Present a proposal on aligning CBA Player visits to support existing Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Community initiatives.
Supporter Engagement
Manager
Dec ‘15
10. S cope the ability to develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Supporter Group that includes two match day experiences, including creating
a network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ambassadors.
Senior Diversity Officer
Dec ‘15
11. P resent a proposal for the Reconciliation Cup to be held in Echuca, Victoria
annually to RAP Advisory Group.
Senior Diversity Officer
Jul ‘16
12. Host Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities at two match
day experiences.
Community
& Diversity Manager
May ’15
& May ‘16
14. A plan is developed and executed to raise awareness across the organisation
about the RAP commitment, particularly with key internal stakeholders.
CEO
Jul ’15
15. A presentation on our RAP commitment is given to all relevant areas
of our business to ensure they have an understanding of how their area
can contribute to our RAP.
GM – Digital, Media & Brand
Sept ‘15
16. D evelop Media & Communications plan that promotes the work the Club is
doing through its RAP with targeted multi-channel campaigns for Indigenous
Round, Indigenous Jumper, National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.
CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
RESPECT
Action
Responsibility
Timeline Deliverables
Investigate cultural development
Community
& Diversity Manager
Sept ‘15
17. A business case for cultural awareness, capability and development based
on our core business is developed, with findings presented to relevant
HR/Learning and Development area for their input.
HR Manager
Sept ‘15
18. We have captured baseline data on our employees’ current level of
understanding around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history,
cultures and contributions.
Create a welcoming environment
Head of Venue Operations
that respects Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander cultures
Aug ‘15
19. D isplay Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on culturally
significant events such as Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week
and NAIDOC Week.
Head of Venue Operations
Dec ‘15
20. The ability to display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags
in the foyer entrance permanently is scoped.
Brand & Marketing Manager
Jul ‘15
21. P romote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork within the
Reconciliation Action Plan to help build community awareness
of the importance of these cultural practices.
Media Manager
Jul ‘15
22. Support the ‘Recognise Campaign’ to promote constitutional recognition
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Senior Diversity Officer
Sep ‘15
23. Deliver an Indigenous Round jumper with respect and consultation
and all proceeds going to the Club’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
programs.
Head of Venue Operations
Dec ‘15
24. An exhibition that displays past Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
players and the history of the Club’s involvement with Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities is scoped.
Celebrate NAIDOC Week
All
Jul ’15
& Jul ‘16
25. Our Working Group holds an internal event in NAIDOC Week
(1st Sunday – 2nd Sunday in July each year).
Raise internal understanding
of protocols
Community
& Diversity Manager
Jul ‘15
26. The plan that is developed to raise awareness includes opportunities
to raise understanding of the meaning and significance of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander protocols, such as Welcome to Country and
Acknowledgement of Country, to our employees.
Head of Venue Operations
Dec ‘15
27.Install a plaque on the venue to recognise the Traditional Owners
of where our Club is located.
Events Manager
Dec ‘15
28. Conduct a Welcome to Country and/or Acknowledgement of Country
at signature Carlton events.
CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
OPPORTUNITIES
Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Deliverables
Consider Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander employment
HR Manager
Aug ‘15
29. A business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment
within our organisation is scoped.
HR Manager
Dec ‘15
30. We have captured baseline data on current Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander employees to inform future developments.
Chief Financial Officer
Dec ‘15
31. A business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier
diversity and how our organisation can develop an Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity program is scoped.
Media Manager
Jul ‘15
32. Subscribe to the Koori Mail.
Senior Diversity Officer
Feb ‘16
33. Commission an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist to facilitate
gift exchange as a part of the AFL Indigenous Round.
Community
& Diversity Manager
Dec ‘15
34. A paper is presented to the RAP Working Group outlining other
opportunities, such as around education, that have been identified
throughout our consultation with internal and external stakeholders.
This paper will assist in defining actions for subsequent
RAPs for our organisation.
Player Wellbeing
& Development Manager
Sept ‘15
35. A paper is presented to the RAP Working Group outlining opportunities
for improvement in the way we support
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players using the Many Stories,
One Goal document as a guiding framework.
Merchandise Manager
Dec ‘15
36. Present proposal outlining potential merchandise opportunities
that can help support the sustainability of the RAP
and the Club’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs.
Player Wellbeing
& Development Manager
Feb ‘16
37. C onduct one mentoring session for Indigenous Talent Pathway
Programs including advice on mentoring, leadership,
nutrition and recruiting expectations.
Consider supplier diversity
Other opportunities
CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
TRACKING AND PROGRESS
Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Deliverables
External Reporting
Senior Diversity Officer
Aug ‘15
38. Complete and submit Reconciliation Action Plan impact
measurement questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia annually.
Internal Reporting
Community
& Diversity Manager
Aug ‘15
39. Present mid-year update to RAP Advisory Group.
40. Include RAP in annual London Benchmarking Group corporate
community investment audit.
CARLTON FC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016
To find out more please contact:
Shawn Wilkey
RAP Advisory Board Secretary
Community & Diversity Manager
Carlton Football Club
03 9389 6332
shawn.wilkey@carltonfc.com.au
CARLTONFC.COM.AU