The Hawthorn Football Club proudly launched its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan on Friday.
The Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan builds upon a foundation of existing programs and events and lays the groundwork towards fulfilling the club’s aspirations of becoming leaders in community connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Made possible by the vision and leadership of the club’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, both past and present, the RAP outlines Hawthorn’s unique vision for reconciliation.
As part of the Hawks Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Hawthorn veteran and Chair of the AFL Players Association Indigenous Advisory Board, Shaun Burgoyne championed the development of the club’s inaugural RAP.
“Reconciliation is about bringing people together to work alongside each other for a better future” said Burgoyne.
Hawthorn is committed to overcoming barriers of the past by using its unique position to engage Hawks staff and stakeholders in reconciliation as well as continually finding new ways to drive reconciliation and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners through all facets of the business.
Speaking at the official launch of the RAP, Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves acknowledged that there is still plenty of work to do on the journey towards reconciliation.
“We have a long way to go, and a lot to learn. But in the spirit of Hawthorn; we will be relentless in our pursuit of the goals outlined in this RAP,” said Reeves.
“We are the family club, forever striving to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all cultures.
“As a club, we look forward to seeing the outcomes in the RAP brought to life over the coming years. Our RAP spells out our commitment to advancing reconciliation in Australia and will guide us in our journey towards authentically embedding Indigenous culture in every aspect of our club.”
The Hawthorn Football Club is built on the foundations of inclusiveness and a desire to always improve. The club’s commitment to this RAP is a testament to these foundations and an integral step forward for the entire Hawthorn family.
The Hawks’ inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan was launched today at the Ricoh Centre, Waverley Park and can be downloaded here.
