Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. The week is also a time for each of us to explore how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year; 27th May to 3rd June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2021, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.
Football plays a pivotal role in promoting this message and many believe the world game transcends division by acting as a vehicle for positive change. Football Victoria (FV) endeavours to play its part in the fostering of respectful relationships between the First Nations peoples and the wider Australian community.
FV has recently appointed Chris Swain as its new Indigenous Programs Coordinator, a full-time position sitting within the Diversity and Inclusion team.
Chris is a proud Darambul (also known as Dharambal) man who maintains a strong connection to his heritage. The Darambul people traditionally occupied coastal Central Queensland.
He arrives with an impressive resume that includes academic and sporting prowess. Chris has been involved with the Australian Indigenous Football side from 2016-2021 and was in the Indigenous representative teams for football and cricket. Academically, he is completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science and has a range of professional skills that will drive FV’s Indigenous programs forward.
We are extremely excited to have Chris leading our Indigenous initiatives under the Go-Deadly Indigenous Football Program, a program FV believes aligns strongly with Reconciliation Australia’s 2021 theme: More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.
The Purpose of FV’s Go-Deadly Indigenous Football Program is to increase participation opportunities for the Aboriginal community.
It includes, but is not limited to:
- Delivering the Go-Deadly 7’s state competition
- Delivering the Go-Deadly MiniRoos Kick-Off Program (particularly in rural/regional communities)
- Improved pathways for players, coaches, referees, administrators & volunteers
- Increased education & awareness to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
- Partnering with indigenous service providers & external stakeholders
- Establishing an interim FV Indigenous Advisory Committee to assist drafting FV’s Reconciliation Action Plan & provide critical advice to FV
To learn more about National Reconciliation Week, visit the official page via the link below.