Since launching its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in May of 2016, the North Melbourne Football Club has worked collaboratively with the community, the players, and cultural leaders to create a community that celebrates its historical roots and our strength in diversity.
North managing director & CEO Carl Dilena, highlights the importance of the RAP and the work that the club and community has done as part of the 2017-2018 RAP Annual Report.
Please find his message below.
As the North Melbourne Football Club enters 150 years of rich and vibrant tradition, we celebrate and reflect on our proud shared history with Australia’s First Peoples, that continues to be a solid foundation for the club. It enables us to grow and build a community that celebrates, welcomes, and understands the strength in diversity.
In May 2016 we launched our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and have since worked together to produce a second RAP, Innovate RAP, which will be launched in February 2019.
North’s vision for Innovate is to celebrate, honour, and promote the club’s deep and shared connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; creating a community that champions respect and belonging for all.
With “belonging” being one of the four club values, we continue to explore ways that we can deepen reconciliation and honour the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who represent North and pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the land on which we practice, play, and work. Whether that is in North Melbourne, Tasmania, Werribee or interstate.
This RAP isn’t an end point, but another step in our journey towards reconciliation and equality. And a commitment to this goal.
This report summarises the North Melbourne Football Club’s contribution to reconciliation from 2017-2018 under the area of Relationships, Respect and Opportunities.
This report highlights some of the innovative approaches our club is delivering to:
- Celebrate, honour, and promote our deep and shared connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; creating a community that champions respect and belonging for all.
- Raise awareness of the thriving and culturally enriching contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made to our Club (and Country).
- Strengthen our engagement with First Australian communities, and meaningfully collaborate together to drive reconciliation outcomes.
We are delighted to share this report with you.
Carl Dilena
North Melbourne Managing Director & CEO
