MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS The artwork featured on the cover and throughout Many Stories, One Goal is by ’s, Jermaine Miller-Lewis.

Miller-Lewis began painting at of 14, using painting as a relaxation tool.

The painting featured above, and throughout the publication, represents a kangaroo in the middle of the tracks. The kangaroo and tracks are surrounded by people (boomerang shapes) with spears.

The yellow and brown represents the earthy land, where the people are hunting the kangaroo (or malu or yonga).

To see more artwork by Jermaine Miller-Lewis head to: yellowbidiartwork.wix.com/jermainemillerlewis

WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE TRADITIONAL“ OWNERS OF THE LAND AND OUR ELDERS BOTH PAST AND PRESENT.

2 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS” CONTENTS LETTER FROM PAUL MARSH 6 AFL Players’ Association CEO

LETTER FROM 7 Chair of Indigenous Players’ Advisory Board

INDIGENOUS PLAYERS’ ADVISORY BOARD 8

THE FRAMEWORK 11

INDUCTION 12

Recruitment of a player

Living arrangements

Financial considerations

Home sickness

OUR CULTURE 16 Cultural considerations

Family/Kinship

Industry Indigenous programs Key dates

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT 23 Family support

Profesional development

Financial planning

CLUB REQUIREMENTS 27

CONTACT 29

RESOURCES 30

*Disclaimer - When considering the appropriateness of these guidelines for your organisation or circumstances, please note that these guidelines are general in nature and do not take into account every individual situation or circumstance. 3 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS THE FLAGS An explanation of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags

ABORIGINAL FLAG

The people and the colour of skin

The sun, the giver of life and protector

The red earth, red ochre used in ceremonies and the spiritual connection we have with the land

TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER FLAG

The land, both above and below the Torres Strait The people and the colour of skin

The sea, known as the Torres Strait

Ceremonial dancing headdress (also symbolises the Torres Strait people) Five points of the star represents the five major island groups The colour white symbolises peace

4 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS 5 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS A WORD FROM PAUL MARSH

It is with great pleasure that we present the second edition of the AFL Players’ Association’s Many Stories, One Goal – Supporting Indigenous Footballers Best Practice Guidelines.

Born from discussion at the 2013 Indigenous Camp, these guidelines were the first of their kind in Australian sport and have successfully empowered staff and industry stakeholders on what can be done to best cater for Indigenous players throughout their AFL career.

BUILDING ON THE STRONG Building on the strong foundations set in the first edition, “ FOUNDATIONS SET IN the updated version of Many Stories, One Goal is again dedicated to providing opportunities for Aboriginal and THE FIRST EDITION, THE Torres Strait Islander players and improving cultural UPDATED VERSION OF MANY awareness - reaffirming the commitment we have to STORIES, ONE GOAL IS AGAIN shaping an inclusive industry. DEDICATED TO PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR With a new-look AFL Players’ Indigenous Advisory Board ABORIGINAL AND TORRES providing fresh perspective and strong strategic direction, STRAIT ISLANDER PLAYERS with Shaun Burgoyne and at the helm, it AND IMPROVING CULTURAL was time to further develop this document to ensure all AWARENESS... Indigenous players are encouraged to grow – on and off- ” field – in a supportive and understanding environment. This new-look Board now also includes Allen Christensen, , and – all who have recently joined existing members and Michael Johnson – and we look forward to working closely with these players into the future.

With more Indigenous footballers playing football at the highest level, it’s crucial that we always look to improve programs and services within the industry to make the transition for Indigenous players in and out of the AFL system as seamless as possible.

The AFL Players’ Association will continue to work closely with all 73 Indigenous players in the system to implement and promote cultural connections and awareness within clubs and the broader AFL industry.

While the progress we, as an industry, are making is outstanding, there is still much we can be doing to assist all Indigenous players to becoming ‘leaders of today for their brothers tomorrow’ and these guidelines provide a great foundation for our ongoing work.

Paul Marsh AFL Players’ Association CEO

6 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS A WORD FROM SHAUN BURGOYNE

First of all, I want to say what an honour it is to have taken WITH NEARLY 10 PER CENT over as the Chair of the Indigenous Players’ Advisory “ OF THE AFL’S TOTAL PLAYING Board from, who might be considered, the most influential GROUP IDENTIFYING AS Indigenous player the AFL has seen, and that I am ABORIGINAL AND/OR TORRES committed to building on the strong foundation set by STRAIT ISLANDER , IT’S MORE during his time as Chair. IMPORTANT THAN EVER, Secondly, I’m proud to be introducing the second edition THAT THE INDUSTRY AS A of this Many Stories, One Goal publication, as it represents WHOLE IS TAKING ACTION TO how far we have come as an industry in learning and BEST SUPPORT INDIGENOUS understanding the varied needs of all Indigenous players PLAYERS. in the AFL system. ” Through my experience as a player, I have come to thoroughly understand the importance of Indigenous players having the support of their clubs.

With nearly 10 per cent of the AFL’s total playing group identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, it’s more important than ever, that the industry as a whole is taking action to best support Indigenous players.

At the 2013 Indigenous Camp, where the idea for the Many Stories, One Goal publication was born, it became clear that all Indigenous Australian AFL players hail from such varied backgrounds.

This document provides vital information for clubs to provide a supportive environment for Indigenous players from all over Australia.

Again built on four key pillars – Induction, Our Culture, Personal/Professional Support and Club Requirements – Many Stories, One Goal provides detailed information on developing an inclusive workplace.

We, as the Indigenous Players’ Advisory Board, look forward to working closely with all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, the AFLPA, all clubs and the wider AFL industry to achieve this.

Shaun Burgoyne Indigenous Players’ Advisory Board Chair

7 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS 7 INDIGENOUS PLAYERS ADVISORY BOARD During the 2013 Indigenous Camp, of which all Indigenous players attended, the playing group agreed to create an Indigenous Players’ Advisory Board to become the voice of all Indigenous players within the Australian Football League (AFL). The Board consists of a minimum of one Indigenous player representative from , , Queensland and New South Wales, and three representatives from Victoria.

ALLEN CHRISTENSEN CHAD WINGARD Port

SHAUN BURGOYNE - Chair JARROD PICKETT MICHAEL JOHNSON Hawthorn GWS Giants Fremantle Dockers

NEVILLE JETTA - Deputy Chair SHANE EDWARDS DANYLE PEARCE Demons Richmond Tigers Fremantle Dockers CALL FOR ACTION The Centre for Aboriginal players and coaches from Many of our talented young Studies and Media, Culture nine clubs, and further Indigenous footballers and Creative Arts at Curtin interviewed 99 of these participate in AFL pathways University in Western participants. across Australia. Australia recently conducted research titled The research found It is vital that organisations “Assessing the AFL Racial that investment by all providing these pathways and Religious Vilification stakeholders in the AFL invest in understanding each Laws to Promote Community industry is required player, making certain they Harmony, Multiculturalism to ensure that greater are given every opportunity and Reconciliation”. cross-cultural awareness, to establish a football career education opportunities within the AFL. Assisted by the AFL Research and support are provided to Board, researcher, Dr Sean Indigenous players. Gorman, surveyed 400

8 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS In addition, the research AIM OF GUIDELINES Four key areas were highlighted the need for In response to this evidence identified as crucial points heightened awareness and base and recommendations, of support for Indigenous understanding of the range the Indigenous Players’ players, both upon their of cultural issues facing Advisory Board developed arrival into the AFL and Indigenous players. guidelines to ensure during their football career. consistent support A range of recommendations processes are in place for These key areas included: were made based on the all players.

findings of this research, 1. Induction The aim of these guidelines including: is to: Supporting Indigenous • Ensure all Indigenous players’ to transition into 1 players are supported the game consistently, regardless The introduction of of the club to which they 2. Our culture Indigenous Liaison Officers are drafted at all clubs Insight into the Aboriginal • Assist clubs to and Torres Strait Islander 2 understand Aboriginal culture and Torres Strait Islander Personal /professional 3. culture through the support Cultural awareness training eyes of players and to be implemented across all Individual development clubs and administrations and off-field support of • Provide the support players required to retain 3 Indigenous players in 4. Club requirements the AFL system and Engagement with local maximise their careers What is best practice? Indigenous services

4

Greater acknowledgement of NAIDOC Week and promotion of Indigenous Round LEADERS OF TODAY, Consultation with current “FOR OUR BROTHERS Indigenous footballers by the AFL Players’ TOMORROW Association, further identified a need to provide industry INDIGENOUS PLAYERS’ ADVISORY BOARD” stakeholders with guidance MISSION STATEMENT of best practice, to support Indigenous footballers in maximising their football careers.

9 10 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS

THE FRAMEWORK

INDUCTION

Supporting Indigenous players to transition into the game

OUR CULTURE

Insight into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture

PERSONAL /PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

Individual development and off-field support of players

CLUB REQUIREMENTS

What is best practice?

11 INDUCTION Supporting Indigenous players to transition into the game

Visit to home community Relationships with key family member/s Induction process Appointment of mentor Living arrangement options Engagement of local Indigenous community Financial considerations Player agent - best practice Homesickness

12 INDUCTION

RECRUITMENT the club to be proactive and and/or a family member, VISIT TO HOME help the player understand to be involved during the COMMUNITY their responsibilities as an induction process. elite AFL athlete, and for Investment in the the club to understand any This will help the draftee transition of any player is cultural obligations that may feel comfortable, assist critically important, and impact the player’s personal with communication of the for Indigenous players life and wellbeing. clubs’ expectations and it is paramount. allow for both players to This is an important process maintain ongoing and open A visit to the player’s to undertake as the club will conversations. home community in many cases be literally prior to and following seen as an extension of the During the induction the AFL should draftee’s family. process, it is important to be introduced into RELATIONSHIP discuss the player’s needs the recruitment WITH KEY FAMILY regarding important cultural process. traditions such as ‘Sorry MEMBER/S Business’, cultural leave and The engagement Following the community or any significant dates on the from key club home visit, it is important Indigenous calendar. personnel such as that the club (ideally the recruiters, Player Player Development In addition, Development Manager and/or Indigenous it is reccomended that Managers, Liaison Officer) creates clubs educate key club staff development a strong relationship members on the draftee’s coaches and/ and remains in regular cultural background. or a member contact with key members from the football of the player’s family. This will ensure the club operations team, It is considered best understands the player’s helps develop trust practice to make contact needs and will reaffirm to through rapport. with the player’s family the player that the club each fortnight during the understands their culture. It is further transition period. By doing encouraged to this, a trusted and valued Understanding the player’s consider having an relationship will be created needs during this time Indigenous person which will benefit both the is critical and will assist strongly connected player and the club in the with planning for off-field to the club, and/or event of any issues. requirements, such as a past Indigenous understanding the public player, attend this visit INDUCTION transport system, paying to assist with building PROCESS bills, shopping, cooking and a relationship and trust other general necessities. with the player and During the induction family. process, it is important the It must be considered this club understands how they may be the first time the The purpose of this visit can best support the player player will leave their home is for the player’s family during their transition. community for a long period to be reassured that the of time and that players may player will be looked after Clubs should consider have never used systems by the club. In addition, this engaging a suitable such as email or public presents an opportunity for Indigenous player, transport before. 13 Investing time with the player APPOINTMENT OF When allocating a host upon arrival to the club will A MENTOR family, a discussion with the minimise any uncertainty player regarding their desire around this. Upon the player arriving to live with an Indigenous at the club, an Indigenous or non-Indigenous family Flexibility throughout the mentor should meet with is important. Engaging an transition period is essential the player. This could be a Indigenous host family may as this may be the first time a past Indigenous player, and/ help to reduce the draftee’s player has been involved in a or a respected Indigenous homesickness. structured environment. person within the local community. The club Within the first two years It is recommended that clubs may consider arranging of a contract, talk to the assist players in learning time the first set of mentor Indigenous player about management skills. meetings, with the player how they are settling in. If and mentor arranging the the player appears to be During induction, clubs are ongoing meetings from homesick, clubs should encouraged to provide the then on. Having a mentor consider allowing the player player with an overview of who understands the to return home for a short support currently provided to unique challenges faced visit. If this is not possible, Indigenous players through by an Indigenous draftee it is recommended the club the industry and internally at is crucial, as they can act provides assistance to the the club. as a conduit between the player’s family to allow them player and staff/leadership to travel to the club. These group/administration at the decisions should also be Some professional football club. made on a case-by-case basis, for example, some development opportunities LIVING players may benefit from to consider providing to the ARRANGEMENT remaining at the club and arranging for key family

player include: OPTIONS members to travel. 1 The player should be provided with options for IT WAS DIFFICULT. NETWORKING their living arrangements “ THEY OBVIOUSLY on arrival at the club and DIDN’T KNOW MY 2 clubs should consider living BACKGROUND AND arrangements on a case-by- THE [AFL CLUB] DIDN’T CAREER DEVELOPMENT case basis. KNOW MY BACKGROUND CONSULTATION SO IT WAS DIFFICULT. IT WAS DIFFICULT Discussions with the player 3 BEING UNABLE TO FEEL and his family are required COMFORTABLE. IT WAS WORK EXPERIENCE to understand what the JUST LITTLE THINGS player’s preference is. LIKE WHAT THEY EAT It is recommended the OR WHAT THEY DO 4 draftee lives with a senior ON THE WEEKENDS VOLUNTEERING Indigenous player for the IS COMPLETELY short-term, whilst a host DIFFERENT TO WHAT I DID WITH MY FAMILY family is arranged. If there ON THE WEEKENDS AND 5 is no senior Indigenous PUBLIC SPEAKING WHAT MY FAMILY ATE. player, it is suggested that - Current Indigenous senior player” SKILLS a suitable senior non- Indigenous player be used.

14 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS INDUCTION

that consistent support is provided to the player.

Player agents must invest time to understand any cultural considerations the Indigenous player has and develop strong relationships with key family members.

HOMESICKNESS ENGAGEMENT OF This element of cultural To eliminate homesickness LOCAL INDIGENOUS obligation is important to in young Indigenous COMMUNITY understand, so relevant players, it is advised that support can be provided to clubs provide the player When an Indigenous the player if they consider with an option to visit their player arrives at the club, sending money home a family during the bye round it is important to introduce priority. and if required throughout the player to the local the season (recommended Indigenous community It is critical that the twice a year). via discussions with an player feels supported to Indigenous elder in the area. assist their family and/or Conversations regarding Facilitating this introduction community. Helping the this matter should occur will allow for the player to player to financially plan early so that the player is connect with their culture on for the future must remain aware they will have an a regular basis and feel a priority. opportunity to visit family in a greater sense of home. “MY MANAGER the near future. FINANCIAL PROBABLY SAVED A LOT OF MY FOOTBALL It will be up to the club’s CONSIDERATIONS CAREER [MONEY]. discretion as to whether It is important for the player I WANTED TO WORK this is at the expense of WITH SOMEONE to discuss their financial the club or player. When THAT I COULD SEE a player is returning to situation and take part in AND ASK QUESTIONS their community, it is also relevant education. OF EVERYDAY. HE ALSO WENT OUT OF important to remember Some communities have HIS WAY TO REALLY that there may be some a cultural obligation UNDERSTAND ME AND restrictions in training to ‘provide’ for family MY FAMILY. facilities available to them members back home, in - Past Indigenous” player during this time. particular their elders. PLAYER AGENT Clubs play an important This sometimes leads to BEST PRACTICE role in helping players financial hardshi, so the Player agents play a through these challenging importance cannot be key role in supporting times. Engaging with the underplayed. Encourage Indigenous players Indigenous players’ key the player to sit down with throughout their career. figure in their life during their manager and Player challenging times can assist Development Manager to It is vital that a strong the player in reducing their work on strategies to assist relationship between feelings of homesickness. their family, without putting the player, player agent their own financial health and Player Development 15 MANYat risk. STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTINGManager occurs, INDIGENOUS and FOOTBALLERS 15 OUR CULTURE Insight into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture

Cultural considerations Industry Indigenous programs Key dates

16 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS OUR CULTURE

Sorry Business should 3. TRIBAL LORE CULTURAL be discussed during the CONSIDERATIONS induction period to ensure Tribal lore often differs the club understands the between individual Every Indigenous player tradition and what may communities, yet many of the represents their community occur for that particular lore’s are sacred and not to with pride and it is vital community and individual. be spoken about with anyone that clubs understand Trust is an important outside of a given community. and respect any cultural factor when discussing Aboriginal and Torres Strait obligations the player Sorry Business. Open Islander lore’s are also part may have. communication between of an oral culture, therefore If unsure of an aspect of the player and club is no written code of customary the Aboriginal and Torres necessary. The club may lore’s exist. Given the Strait Islander culture, also wish to make contact requirements of tribal lore respectfully asking with an elder from the within Aboriginal and Torres Indigenous players and player’s community to Strait Islander culture, a their families is acceptable. clearly understand how the player may be required to It is important to discuss club can support the player travel back to community to the following three during Sorry Business. attend a particular hearing. cultural obligations with It is important for a club the player and their family. 2. MEN’S BUSINESS to understand that a player may have additional The term ‘business’ responsibilities with their 1. SORRY BUSINESS describes the relational community if they are an processes associated initiated man. Initiation Bereavement, known as with specific patterns and ceremonies are carried out Sorry Business, is a very movements within and when boys achieve the important part of Aboriginal between communities. status of men. The initiation and Torres Strait Islander It is used to describe ceremony differs from culture. the responsibilities and community-to-community obligations of both but often involves sacrifice. Sorry Business involves Indigenous men and time after the death of a women. The ceremony and the member of their community. preparation in the lead-up As with many cultures and Men’s Business is a private, involves the learning of communities around the cultural experience. Sacred sacred songs, stories, dances world, death in a community rituals only involve invited and traditional lore. Many is respected in different men, with the ritual itself different clans will assemble ways. Indigenous Australia varying from community-to- to participate in an initiation is made up of many groups, community. ceremony. tribes and clans that share similar protocols for the period of mourning for a deceased Aboriginal person. One such protocol is to not mention the name of the deceased as a sign of respect. The Sorry Business time period may differ between communities, ranging anywhere from two days, a week, or in some cases a year. 17 INITIATED MAN FAMILY & KINSHIP For example, in non- Only boys who have proven Within all Indigenous Indigenous society the themselves worthy of the communities, kinship mother is seen as the responsibility of adulthood, and family is of utmost woman who has given birth mentally and physically, are importance. to you. In Indigenous initiated as men. culture, the sisters of The knowledge of one’s one’s birth mother are The initiation process is a own family, and the also seen and accepted transition rite and there are importance placed upon in the same way as a various stages and ways of that, far outweighs the birth-mother. initiation. regular kinship structures in the Western world. Extended family cousins In most cases limited are also seen as information is released and Whilst non-Indigenous cousin-sisters and taught. Each stage can vary people live in a family cousin-brothers, in length, from a few days, a nucleus, Indigenous people once again making few months or even longer. value an extended family the ‘nuclear’ family Physical elements can system. somewhat bigger. occur during initiation such

as physical harm. When an Indigenous Indigenous people learn person is accepted These test the initiate – if from their extended family into a new the person is unable to how to live and how to community, they are endure the pain or initiation treat others and the land. named in relation requirements, then they to the person who may not be trusted with the accepted them, so secrets of the tribe. The kinship structure that they can work sets the relationships, out their own cultural It is highly recommended to behaviours and obligations responsibilities within treat these discussions with towards each other. It helps the community. the utmost respect and to to determine matters of consider how your club can marriage, who will look For example, if a support a player who may after children in the case boy is accepted be selected by his tribe to of death, who looks after into a community as become initiated, or who the old and who looks someone’s brother, arrives at your club already after people’s debts and the parents of the having the responsibilities of wrongdoings. person who accepted being an initiated man. the boy into the The Indigenous family community become STOLEN structure also differs in that boy’s mother and GENERATION many ways to the non- father too. Indigenous family structure. Be mindful that Indigenous In some instances it is the An Indigenous person has players at your club are grandparents who do the the same responsibilities likely to be affected, or have bulk of the child rearing. to their parent’s siblings members of their family as they do their parents. affected, directly by the Social obligation and Due to this strong sense stolen generation. Be sure kinship requirements for of obligation within their to respect this topic and not Indigenous Australians are kinship structure, players can talk about it like it is a thing greater, given the larger return home on Sorry Business of the distant past. It was and more complex family multiple times for what is 18 still happening in the 1960’s. structure. seemingly the same person. MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS OUR CULTURE

19 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS 19 WELCOME TO CLAN DIVERSITY USE OF LANGUAGE COUNTRY/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENT It is important for clubs The use of language is an OF COUNTRY to have an understanding important consideration. of the diversity between A Welcome to Country Indigenous clans, For many Indigenous is performed by a local languages and skin groups. Australians, English is Aboriginal or Torres their second language, Strait Islander person of The club’s Indigenous resulting in some barriers significance to symbolise past players are a rich in communication between the traditional owners giving resource when it comes to the player and/or family blessing to an event taking understanding community, members. place on the land. and providing advice in this area. Many male Indigenous An Acknowledgement of Australians refer to other Country can be performed by Therefore, it is important Indigenous men as either an Indigenous or to keep an up-to-date ‘brother’. non-Indigenous person, and database of Indigenous is a statement or speech past players’ numbers and It is important to understand to show respect to the addresses. this is a respected name traditional custodians of the calling and you should land. COMMON WORDING FOR AN always seek approval from ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF the person you are referring An Acknowledgement of to prior to using this Country should be delivered COUNTRY IS: language. prior to any internal meetings or events where an elder from “I would like to The same principles that land isn’t present. acknowledge that this apply when considering meeting is being held on to use other language Inviting all players to perform the traditional lands of the used by other Indigenous the Acknowledgement of (appropriate group) people, Australian’s when referring Country can be a positive and I pay my respects to an individual. inclusion tool. to elders both past and present.”

Image: Aunty Joy Murphy performs a Welcome to Country as part of Indigenous Round.

20 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS OUR CULTURE

2. AFL INDUSTRY Possible club Indigenous camp INDIGENOUS initiatives during The purpose of this camp is PROGRAMS Sir Doug Nicholls to provide players with an There are many events, Indigenous Round opportunity to come together programs and activities are as follows: with other Indigenous players within the AFL industry that and to reconnect with their allow all stakeholders to culture. celebrate Indigenous culture • Invite Indigenous players’ and support Indigenous parents to attend the The camp is also a great players. match opportunity for the group to

discuss present and future • Engage past Indigenous issues facing Indigenous Sir Doug Nicholls players in club activities 1. Indigenous Round players. • Place Aboriginal and Sir Doug Nicholls Torres Strait Islander flags The Indigenous Players’ Indigenous Round is an through club materials Advisory Board and opportunity for all clubs to Indigenous playing group feel celebrate the rich history of • Provide cultural strongly that the Indigenous the Aboriginal and Torres awareness training to club Camp should become Strait Islander culture. staff and playing group compulsory for all Indigenous players. It is an ideal opportunity • Use digital platforms to to engage with Indigenous promote positive The AFL Players’ Association players and/or local messages from both stresses the importance of community members Indigenous and club engagement during this non-Indigenous players to identify activities for camp. the round. It is also an and staff opportunity for non- Club staff are encouraged • Indigenous Australians Use Indigenous artwork to attend the camp with the within your club to become throughout digital recommendation of having involved in the celebrations. platforms and club each Player Development activities Manager and Head of Use this round as an Football Operations in • Engage local community opportunity to deliver attendance to gain a better groups to lead an activity positive messages understanding of the during the week throughout the club’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait networks and membership Islander culture. base. 21 3. Reconciliation 4. Indigenous Liaison 5. Cultural awareness Action Plan Officer training

Reconciliation focuses It is becoming increasing It is best practice for all on building stronger clear that every AFL club clubs to deliver cultural relationships between would benefit from having awareness training. Training Aboriginal and Torres Strait an Indigenous Liaison opportunities should be Islander people and the Officer. made available to all staff wider Australian community. and AFL players on The AFL industry plays a Feedback from Indigenous an annual basis. critical role in this vision by players, along with other becoming leaders on the stakeholders within the Gauge the interest of any reconciliation journey. industry, strongly indicate Indigenous players and staff this appointment must members on being involved Ideally, all clubs and AFL become a priority. in the cultural awareness industry organisations training process. This will be actively building This role assists players will provide them with an and delivering on their with any off-field matters opportunity to share their Reconciliation Action Plan and provides guidance culture, which may result in (RAP). to coaches and club them providing insight into staff about how to best their family and community. In establishing a RAP and to support Indigenous achieving the goals set, players, their families and There are a number of there is great opportunity community members. companies that conduct to engage with current and cultural awareness training. past Indigenous players, This position works For assistance in selecting as well as local community closely with the Player a provider, contact the members. Development Manager AFL Players’ Association and other areas of Diversity Team. It is encouraged that the organisation to every club has a RAP increase awareness and It is also encouraged that working group made up understanding of Aboriginal clubs arrange regular of Indigenous and non- and Torres Strait Islander cultural activities to increase Indigenous players, along culture. cultural awareness around with a diverse range of the club. members from across the organisation.

OUR CULTURE, IT’S A “DIFFERENT CULTURE TO WHAT THEY [NON- INDIGENOUS PEOPLE] WERE BROUGHT UP IN. I THINK THEY UNDERSTAND THAT, BUT TO WHAT EXTENT THEY GET IT, I DON’T REALLY KNOW. - Past Indigenous” player

22 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS OUR CULTURE KEY DATES

Anniversary of The Survival Day National Apology Harmony Day January 26 February 13 March 21

Commonly referred to as On this day in 2008, Kevin This day is also the UN’s Australia Day. This is not a day Rudd issued an apology to International Day for the of celebration for Indigenous Indigenous Australians specifically Elimination of Racial peoples as it marks the day referencing the Discrimination that invasion and dispossession began

National Day of Reconciliation Mabo Day Healing Week June 3 (National Sorry Day) May 27 – June 3 May 26

The Bringing Them Home Report This week celebrates and The Mabo Judgement stated in recommended that this day be acknowledges the rich law that Aboriginal and Torres held each year to recognise the culture and history of the First Strait Islander people have by forcible removal of children from Australians prior occupation, ownership of their families and the long lasting land where native title has not effects that had been extinguished

National International Aboriginal Day of the World’s NAIDOC Week and Islander First full week in July Children’s Day Indigenous August 4 People August 9

This week is about Each year a different theme is This day is observed each year acknowledging the First used to highlight a concern, to promote and protect the Australians and mending the significant issue or hope for rights of the world’s indigenous bridges between Indigenous Indigenous children population and non-Indigenous Australians

23 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS 23 PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT Individual development and off-field support of players

Family support Financial planning Professional development

24 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

FAMILY SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING When a player relocates from a community with a It is important that each young family, it is important player receives ongoing to provide additional support financial guidance and to the player and their family. planning assistance throughout their career. In many cases within a community, it is the family’s Creating a strong responsibility to assist with foundation for planning the upbringing of a child. during the induction The MAX360 program process is important, As a result, moving away provides an opportunity for however regular reviews from community can create the player, player agents and discussion of whether added pressure. Providing and club representatives to additional support is assistance to these players set aside time to discuss needed is essential. ensures that both the and build an individual player and their partner feel development plan. The AFL Players’ supported to reduce any Association provides the homesickness they may be This plan assists the player opportunity for each player experiencing. in understanding areas they to meet with a financial require development in, advisor and discuss their Building a strong relationship while also maximising their financial plan. and maintaining open opportunities while in the communication with both game. It is recommended that a the player and partner is club representative, player important. The club will then In some cases, it may be agent and/or a Player more easily understand the best to work through the Development Manager are needs of the player and ‘getting organised’ section across these discussions to family and be able to provide only to set an action plan ensure all stakeholders are suitable support to assist for the player. providing required support. them.

25 26 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS CLUB REQUIREMENTS

CLUB REQUIREMENTS

Have you considered how your club supports Indigenous players? What does best practice look like? 1 INDUCTION

Have you visited the home community of your Indigenous draftee? Do you have a strong relationship with at least one family member of the player? Do you provide an induction resource to new players? Including guidelines of expectations? Do you have an Indigenous host family available if this is a preferred option? Is each player allocated an Indigenous mentor upon arriving at the club? Do you introduce your Indigenous players to the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities?

2 PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

Do you offer additional family support for young Indigenous parents? Have you established MAX360 with all Indigenous players? Are all Indigenous players engaged in professional development? Do you have partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups to assist players if required? Do you engage past Indigenous players at your club? Do you encourage players to undertake financial planning courses? Do you have a clear understanding of what the players off-field interests are? Have you appointed an Indigenous Liaison Officer? Have you built strong relationships with player agents who manage Indigenous players?

3 OUR CULTURE

Is cultural leave covered under your annual leave policy? Do you complete cultural awareness training at least once a year with all players and staff members? Does your club have a Reconciliation Action Plan? Have all Indigenous players attended Indigenous camp? 27 28 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS For more information, please contact: Kelly Applebee Diversity Manager

[email protected]

29 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS RESOURCES Insight into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture

BOOKS

Attwood, B. Markus, A. (2007) The 1967 Referendum: Race Power and the Australian Constitution. Aboriginal Studies Press, Canberra.

Biskup, Peter. (1973) Not Slaves, Not Citizens: The Aboriginal Problem in Western Australia 1898-1954. University of Queensland Press, St Lucia.

Cane, Scott. (2013) First Footprints: The epic story of the . Allen and Unwin, Melbourne.

Colman, Mike & Edwards, Ken. (2002). Eddie Gilbert: The True Story of an Aboriginal Cricketing Legend. ABC Books, Sydney.

De Moore, G. (2008) Tom Wills: His Spectacular Rise and Tragic Fall. Allen and Unwin, Melbourne.

Flanagan, M (2006) The Call. One Day Hill, Melbourne.

Gardiner, Greg. Football and Racism: The AFL’s Racial and Religious Vilification Rule.

Discussion Paper, No.6, Koori Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne,1997.

Goodes, A. (2008) “A matter of choice”, The Australian Game of Football Since 1858. GSP Books, Melbourne.

Gorman, S. (2005) Brotheboys: The Story of Jim and Phillip Krakouer, Allen and Unwin. Melbouren.

Gorman, S. (2011) Legends: the AFL Indigenous Team of the Century. AboriginalStudies Press, Canberra.

Gorman, S. Lusher, D. Reeves, K (2015 forthcoming) The Biggest Game in Town: An analysis of the AFL’s Vilification Policy. Routledge, London.

Heabich, Anna. For their own Good. Aborigines and Government in the South West of Western Australia 1900-1940. Nedlands University of Western Australia Press, 1998.

Hawke, Steve. & Gallagher, Michael. Noonkanbah. Fremantle Arts Centre Press, Fremantle, 1989.

Hawke, S. (1994) Polly Farmer: A Biography. Fremantle Arts Centre Press, Fremantle.

Hearn Mckinnon, B. (2014) The Story: from Yuendemu to the MCG and back again. Victory Books, Melbourne.

Hess, R. Stewart, B. (1998) More Than a Game: An unauthorised history of Australian Rules Football. Melbourne University Press, Melbourne.

Judd, B. (2008) On the Boundary Line: Colonial Identity in Football. Australian Scholarly Publishing, Melbourne.

Keneally, Thomas. The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith. Fontana, South Australia. 1972.

Kinnane, Stephen. Shadowlines. Fremantle Arts Centre Press, 2003.

Kingston, G. (2010) Black Crow: The Andrew McLeod story. Pan MacMillan, Sydney.

Klugman, M. Osmond, G. (2013) Black and Proud: The story of an Iconic Photo. New South Publishing, Sydney.

McCoy, B. (2008) Holding Men: Kanyirninpa and the Health of Aboriginal Men. Aboriginal Studies Press, Canberra.

30 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS RESOURCES Insight into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture

Moore, Laurie & Williams, Stephan. The True Story of Jimmy Governor. Allen & Unwin, NSW, 2001 Perkins, R. Langton, M. (2008) First Australians: An Illustrated History. University of Melbourne Publishing. Melbourne

Pye, J. (1988) The Tiwi Islands. Colemans Printing, Darwin.

Reynolds, Henry. The Whispering in Our Hearts. Allen & Unwin, St Leonards, Allen & Unwin, 1998.

Stephen, M. (2010) Contact Zones: Sport and Race in the Northern Territory 1869 1953. Charles Darwin University Press, Darwin.

Tatz, C (1995) Obstacle Race: Aborigines in Sport. New South Wales Press, Sydney.

Tatz, C. Tatz, P. (2000) Black Gold: The Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame. Aboriginal Studies Press, Canberra.

Walker C. (2000) : The Story of Aboriginal Country Music. Pluto Press, Sydney.

FILMS/DOCUMENTARIES

Jedda (Chauvel 1955)

Lousy Little Sixpence (Morgan 1982),

Always Was, Always Will Be (McGrady 1987),

Australia Daze (Fiske 1988)

Black Magic (Paul Roberts, Frank Rijavec Australia 1988),

Mabo: Life of an Island Man (Graham 1997),

Exile and the Kingdom (Frank Rijavec 1993),

Radiance (Perkins 1998)

Yolngu Boy (Johnson 2000),

Buried Country - The Story of Aboriginal Country Music (Nehl & Walker 2000),

Australian Rules (Goldman 2002),

The Tracker (de Heer 2002),

Beneath Clouds (Sen 2002),

Rabbit Proof Fence (Noyce 2002),

Ten Canoes (de Heer 2006),

Samson and Delilah (Thornton 2009),

The Sapphires (Blair, 2012),

Utopia (Pilger 2014).

31 MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL. SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS 31 AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION Level 2, 170 Bridport Street, Albert Park, Victoria 3206 P: 03 8651 4300 | E: [email protected]