2014-16 RAP - Reconciliation Australia

Artist Ricky Morgan
Reconciliation
Action Plan
2014 - 2015
Foreword
‘Families’
The Parramatta Eels artwork
It is a great honour to introduce the Parramatta
Eels’ first Reconciliation Action Plan. Having
worked for many years in various sporting
organisations around Australia, I know how
important it is to involve the Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities and continue
to work towards reconciliation.
Family is the basis of our society and culture,
and having strong parents and families means a
stable society.
The circle and dots represent the Parramatta
Eels’ journey of development as a people within
our community; ‘Strong Families, Strong Futures’.
The mother and father figures, our guardians.
It is a further honour to be the first National
Rugby League Club in Sydney to be creating a
Reconciliation Action Plan, and I am proud to be
part of a club which is eager to build relationships
with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities.
The Eels have a long history within Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities, and we
acknowledge and respect the Burramattagal
people of the Darug nation, who are the
traditional custodians of the land on which our
Club is situated. Aboriginal people have been
instrumental in the development of our club both
on and off the field over the years, and are very
much part of our identity.
The Parramatta Eels are committed to involving
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities by providing opportunities for
our staff and players to invest in making strong
relationships. This will extend right through
our club, from our Junior League to our senior
players in NRL and all of our staff.
These steps are just the beginning, and the
Parramatta Eels will continue to work towards
delivering positive outcomes for our Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities both
locally and around Australia
Scott Seward
Parramatta Eels Chief Executive
The hands represent our parent’s hands guiding
us through life towards positive outcomes.
The ‘Blue and Gold’ colours of the figures
represent the Parramatta Eels’ history and the
border represents the river of the Parramatta Eel.
The main message in this artwork is the message
of family values - Indigenous and non-Indigenous
Australians coming together. We can close the
gap through ‘Strong Families’.
Artist Ricky Morgan
Ricky was born and raised on a small Aboriginal
community in Cherbourg, Queensland. Ricky has
been an avid artist from an early age, learning his
trade from his beloved grandfather. He taught
and inspired him to keep his culture alive through
art. Ricky has studied Aboriginal contemporary
art, giving him a broad understanding and
appreciation of art in general.
Ricky believes that ‘Art’ is the basis of all cultures
throughout the world, and the majority of his
artwork ideas come to him while he is sleeping “My Dreaming”.
Our vision for reconciliation
Our Club
The Parramatta Eels support Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader
Australian community working together
toward reconciliation. As a recognised sporting
organisation working with young Australians, we
are in a unique position to use our influence for
positive change in our community in Western
Sydney.
The Parramatta Eels are a professional rugby
league club based in the City of Parramatta
in Western Sydney, New South Wales. In 1947,
the Parramatta District Rugby League club
was admitted to the NSW Rugby League
competition with the first club crest drawing
inspiration from the District’s original occupants,
the Burramattagal people. The Eels have a
long history within Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities, and we acknowledge and
respect the Burramattagal people of the Darug
nation, who are the traditional custodians of the
land on which our club is situated.
The Parramatta Eels are committed to playing an
active role in the journey toward reconciliation in
Australia. As one of the most recognised sporting
brands in the country and the biggest in Western
Sydney, the Eels aim to use our influence to
promote respect and a deeper understanding
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,
both national and in our local community.
This RAP outlines our vision to use rugby
league as a vehicle to expand our relationships
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities, both in Western Sydney and across
Australia. Through these relationships, the Eels
will promote the physical and mental benefits
of leading a healthy, active lifestyle and work
tirelessly towards ensuring all Australian children
have an equal opportunity to live a long, healthy
and happy life.
The Eels have a supporter base of over 550,000
people nationally and an active Membership
base of over 19,500. While our club location is in
Western Sydney, our sphere of influence is much
wider. As a National Rugby League organisation,
we have the ability to influence on a state and
national level.
Our players, staff, corporate partners, Members
and supporters all embrace our core values:
Care, Respect, Excellence, Inclusiveness, Courage
and Family.
Our club prides itself on being a community
club, and we are known for championing change
on key social issues. Through this RAP, our club
will use rugby league as a vehicle to help close
the social, economic and health gap between
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
and other Australians. We also aim to embrace
and learn about the cultures of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander players, staff, Members
and supporters.
In 2014, out of the total 90 staff and players
within the organisation, we currently have ten
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and
two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
members.
Our RAP Journey
The CEO of the Parramatta Eels, Scott Seward,
has made a formal commitment that will see
the Parramatta Eels honour the histories of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
in the Parramatta District, which dates back over
60,000 years, and will also honour the Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander players who have
helped the Club become what it is today and
hopes to be in the future.
The Club formed a RAP Working Group in
2013 to begin the development of the RAP
with the objective of providing a structured
and measurable approach to our current
commitments and new initiatives. The RAP
Working Group includes representatives from the
Parramatta Eels’ playing group, members from
our corporate partnerships team, and with David
Liddiard, former Aboriginal NRL player for the
Parramatta Eels and from Penrith, appropriately
undertaking an Ambassador role.
The Parramatta Eels’ Community Programs
RAP Working Group:
1 x Community Manager
1 x Player Representative
1 x Executive Manager
2 x Senior Manager
1 x Community/Council Representative
RAP Working Group Chair to be nominated.
The Parramatta Eels in 2014 will commence
refreshing the RAP Working Group members
to incorporate new ideas and perspectives by
recruiting new members to provide feedback
and actively monitor the development and
implementation of the RAP.
At our RAP launch, the formal membership of our
ongoing RAP Working Group will be confirmed,
and will include additional local representation
from the Aboriginal community and nominated
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players.
Our current and pre-launch activity involves
a focus on relationship-building with these
representatives in our local community.
Through our various community and football
development programs, our club has embraced
a variety of cultures, in particular Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander cultures and peoples. We
have demonstrated a commitment to develop
a Reconciliation Action Plan and through this,
the Club hopes to further strengthen existing
programs and develop new initiatives to close
the social, economic and health gap between
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
and other Australians.
Social Cohesion - This program is aimed
at students who find it difficult to interact
in a positive manner with peers and other
students. The program focuses on assisting
and supporting such students in a positive, fun
and engaging environment. It is an eight-week
program where students will attend one day
per week, focusing on a different theme each
session. The objective of the program is to
provide the opportunity for students to develop
and work on positive social skills.
Our commitment is demonstrated through
our community and football development
programs, including;
Literacy/Positive Behaviour and
Learning Program
Eels Educate is located at Pirtek Stadium in
Parramatta, and employs a full-time teacher to
teach Syllabus-linked programs, including but
not limited to the following, Primary school:
Literacy, Numeracy, PDHPE, PBL – Social
Cohesion and Healthy Lifestyle programs; High
school: Literacy, PDHPE, PASS – Dream Believe
Achieve and Lifestyle theme-based program.
This is a one-off excursion style program,
where students are invited to the Eels Educate
classroom to engage in Literacy and PBL
based activities. Utilising existing NRL Literacy
resources, including Rugby League Reads
Magazines and Footy Fables, this program
caters for individual learning styles for 60
students of Stage 2 and 3 at one time. These
programs have provided effective support for
participants, the majority of which have been
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
Relationships
Respect
The Parramatta Eels are an inclusive club and
values contributions made by all players of our
club on and off the field. Over the years, the
club has demonstrated a strong commitment to
empowering young Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples through sport.
We have an opportunity and responsibility
to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities and it is our belief
that the≈values of our club are a strong
foundation in developing and maintaining
positive relationships.
ACTION
RESPONSIBILITY
TIMELINE
1.1 Parramatta Eels RAP Working Group
actively monitors RAP activity, including
the development, implementation of
actions, tracking progress and reporting.
Community and
Cultural Diversity
Officer
August 2014
1.2 P rovide opportunities for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander players,
employees and other staff to build strong
relationships.
Community and
Cultural Diversity
Officer
1.3 U tilise Parramatta Eels’ sphere of
influence to build external relationships
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples, stakeholders and local
communities.
September 2014
March 2015
DELIVERABLES
ACTION
Membership of the RAP Working Group for 2015 confirmed,
and meets twice yearly to implement monitor and advise
on strategies around RAP activities.
2.1 Our club will support employees in
understanding the cultural protocols
around Acknowledgement of Country
and Welcome to Country ceremonies and
ensure there is shared meaning behind the
ceremonies.
27 May – 3 June 2015 Organise at least one internal event each year for Eels staff
and players to celebrate and participate in during National
Reconciliation week (NRW).
Extend an invitation to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander community members to attend Parramatta Eels
NRW event.
Community and
Cultural Diversity
Officer
September 2014
October 2014
September 2014
Our club has a great capacity to support positive
change, and in our own club, we believe it is
paramount to demonstrate genuine respect for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
Identify and develop a list of local Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples, communities and stakeholders that
Parramatta Eels can engage with.
Organise at least 2 meetings for Parramatta Eels to engage
and build mutually beneficial relationships with identified
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities
and stakeholders.
Develop a calendar of local community events and provide
the opportunity for Parramatta Eels staff and players
to attend to build strong relationships with the local
community through engaging in these activities.
cultures and lands. The location of our Club is
within an area where there is a large Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander population and thus
makes this a significant responsibility.
RESPONSIBILITY
TIMELINE
Head of Communications
December 2014
DELIVERABLES
Develop, implement and communicate a cultural protocol
document for the Club for formal Welcome to Country and
Acknowledgment to Country.
Inform and educate staff about the significance of
traditional Welcome to Country and Acknowledgments
of Traditional Owners through discussions, meetings and
internal communications.
Invite a Traditional Owner to provide a Welcome to Country
during NRL’s “Close the Gap” round.
2.2 Our club will provide opportunities for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
employees and players to engage with
their cultures and communities through
celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander cultural events such as NAIDOC
Week.
Community Relations
Manager
2.3 Engage employees in cultural learning to
increase understanding and appreciation
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
cultures, histories and achievements.
Community Relations
Manager
1st Sunday to
2nd Sunday
July 2015
Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander employees to participate in at least one of the
local NAIDOC Week events in the local community.
Parramatta Eels Players continue to Participate in the
annual ‘Closing the gap’ round.
Review HR Policies to ensure there are no barriers to staff
participating in NAIDOC.
August 2015
Scope, develop and pilot a cultural awareness training
strategy for Parramatta Eels Club. In particular, provide
opportunities for RAP Working Group members, RAP
Champions, Human Resource Managers and other key
leadership to participate in training.
Provide the opportunity for all other Parramatta Eels staff
and players to participate in cultural learning training.
2.4 Promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander cultures to the Parramatta Eels
Junior Leagues Clubs by celebrating
Cultural Awareness Day.
2.5 Address the issues of racial intolerance by
junior club players.
Junior League
Administrator /Community
Relations Manager
February 2015
Involve the Junior Leagues in at least one activity with an
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander focus as one of many
activities hosted by the club on the Cultural Awareness
Day.
Junior League
Administrator
October 2014
Review the Code of Conduct of the Parramatta District
Rugby League to ensure that racial intolerance and respect
is addressed and in line with Industry Standards.
Report recommendations made to the RAP Working Group
and the EELS Management for approval.
2.6 Demonstrate commitment to Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander recognition
through partnering with the Recognise
Campaign.
Head of Communications
December 2014
Meet with representatives of the Recognise Campaign to
explore potential avenues of support by the Parramatta
Eels.
Opportunities
With the unique status that our Club has in
Western Sydney, we have a serious role to
play in ensuring that we both advocate for the
employment and participation of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples through our
corporate partners and member businesses, and
that we also provide practical support for the
professional and career aspirations of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander players.
ACTION
RESPONSIBILITY
TIMELINE
DELIVERABLES
3.1 Investigate opportunities within our Club to
increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
employment opportunities
Human Resources November 2014 Human Resources to review procedures and policies to identify
Manager
and address barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
employees.
December 2014 Report and recommendations made to the RAP Working Group
and the EELS Management.
October 2014
Highlight the potential issues and employment opportunities
within our club.
December 2014 Engage with existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to
consult on employment strategies
March 2015
Human Resources to scope, develop and implement an
employment strategy for increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander employment within Parramatta Eels.
Advertise all vacancies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
media.
3.2 Investigate opportunities to increase supplier
diversity within our Club in relation to
contracted goods and services
Chief Operating
Officer
January 2015
Review procurement policies and practices internally to ensure
that potential barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
businesses as suppliers of services are able to be identified and
addressed.
Develop a plan for Parramatta Eels to publicly promote business
opportunities available
Develop and explore a commercial relationship with at least one
local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander business.
3.3 Develop a career pathway program for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players.
Human Resources
Manager
February 2015
Engage with existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
players and staff to consult on potential strategies for career and
professional development.
Tracking progress and reporting
ACTION
RESPONSIBILITY
TIMELINE
TARGET
4.1 Report achievements, challenges and
Community Relations September 2015 Complete and submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire
learnings to Reconciliation Australia for
Manager
to Reconciliation Australia annually.
inclusion in the RAP Impact Measurement
Report.
4.2 Review and refresh Parramatta Eels RAP
Community Relations November 2015 RAP Working Group to consider reports and outcomes of 2014
Manager
RAP activities and in collaboration with the Parramatta Eels
Management, set new targets and activities for 2015.
Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for review and
endorsement.
Contact
2 Eels Place, Parramatta 2150
PO Box 2666 North Parramatta 1750
Tel +612 8843 0300