BRISBANE BRONCOS RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN A MESSAGE FROM RECONCILIATION ’S CEO

On behalf of Reconciliation Australia I congratulate the Broncos on the launch of their third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)—a Stretch RAP. FOREWORD In opting for a Stretch RAP, the have built on the learnings of their earlier RAPs, reinforcing and reinvigorating their commitment to provide sustainable employment and personal development opportunities for Aboriginal and Islander peoples.

I am impressed by the new actions in the RAP including the Beyond The Broncos Program which will help guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youngsters to make good life choices. Further enhancing the two way relationship with supporters through community engagement is another strong initiative.

I commend the Broncos for being part of Reconciliation Australia’s RAP program and for taking their RAP to the next level. RAPs are driving social change in workplaces, sporting clubs and schools around the country and, as one of 600 plus RAP organisations, the Broncos are helping to influence that change through their sporting and community endeavours.

This Stretch RAP strengthens the Broncos’ foundation for real respect and understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait players, staff and supporters and their non-Indigenous colleagues and football followers.

I wish the Broncos well as they embark on the next step of their impressive reconciliation journey.

Justin Mohamed CEO, Reconciliation Australia

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RAP.indd 2-3 25/02/2016 3:48:16 PM BRISBANE BRONCOS CEO: PAUL WHITE

The Brisbane Broncos remain committed to the promotion of and participation in reconciliation through the association and activities of the club.

As we launch our third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we reflect on the success

of our initiatives and programs and aim to remain committed in keeping the vision of FOREWORD reconciliation alive within our organisation. This RAP refresh reiterates our genuine desire to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities and to improve outcomes for First Australian Peoples.

A number of key initiatives have been introduced and expanded since our first RAP in 2012. Our Broncos Indigenous Mentoring program, Beyond The Broncos, has evolved immensely since its inception in 2010. We look forward to building new relationships with our students and help them to reach their full potential.

We are dedicated to building stronger relationships with First Australian Peoples and communities. We are especially proud to expand our relationship with the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) and their Deadly Choices program as we continue to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to make healthy lifestyle choices. This relationship demonstrates our commitment to the closing the gap campaign as we strive to close the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.

On behalf of the Brisbane Broncos I would like to recognise Reconciliation Australia for its ongoing role in educating the community and promoting reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community. I also thank Reconciliation Australia for their continuous support in assisting the Brisbane Broncos with the RAP and its ongoing growth. We look forward to continuing our working relationship as we progress to make a positive contribution to closing the employment, economic and education gap between First Australian Peoples and other Australians.

Paul White CEO, Brisbane Broncos Football Club

4 5 OUR VISION FOR RECONCILIATION

The Brisbane Broncos Reconciliation Action Plan is a formal recognition of our activities within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, as well as a practical commitment to monitor and build on these activities.

The Brisbane Broncos have a strong connection with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

players, staff, members and fans. These ongoing relationships have led to the Brisbane Broncos to utilise their sphere of influence by implementing a number of OUR VISION Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs in two key areas; closing the life expectancy gap closing the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians and, provide and improve outcomes and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Our vision for reconciliation includes stronger relationships and increased mutual respect for, the diversity of cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and a commitment to closing the social, health and economic gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Queenslanders.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan outlines what we are doing to demonstrate and promote the key messages of reconciliation with a particular emphasis on the following:

● Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through community programs including the Beyond The Broncos program ● Develop an increased two way relationship and mutual respect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supporters and members of the community through community engagement ● Increase our knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to build on existing relationships and demonstrate this respect in every interaction we have with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and community ● Increased opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ participation in , and specifically to build the skills of our employees and our wider community

The Brisbane Broncos Board, staff and players see our club as one which acknowledges and respects the values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their rich cultures and we will work to further enhance these ties with the community.

Indigenous Program Officer after placing The artwork signifies the connection of the Brisbane his hand on an artwork by Chad Briggs at the Brisbane Broncos to the community and highlights the Broncos Staff National Reconciliation Morning Tea community gathering to watch the Broncos team play at supporting National Reconciliation Week. the home ground of Suncorp Stadium.

6 7 OUR BUSINESS

The Brisbane Broncos are a professional rugby league team based in Brisbane, Queensland.

The Brisbane Broncos hold a licence to compete in the (NRL) competition and are one of its most successful clubs having won six premierships in the 28 seasons since inception.

The Brisbane Broncos are the only publicly listed sporting franchise on the Australian Securities Exchange. OUR BUSINESS The Brisbane Broncos endeavour to be a winning rugby league team which provides the community with world class entertainment and a club to be proud of. The Brisbane Broncos believe in maintaining a very high-class level of corporate governance, professional commercial practice, services excellence, integrity, creativity and initiative. All activities are performed to the highest ethical standards, and with great respect to all involved.

Today, 22 of 160 staff and players of the Brisbane Broncos are of Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander persons which equates to 13% of the organisation.

The Brisbane Broncos have an outstanding history of strong contribution by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples such as , , , and current captain, - to our on- and off-field success since our inception in 1988.

The RAP is developed alongside the NRL RAP framework, specifically in using the Brisbane Broncos’ wide popularity within the game of Rugby League to promote increased respect and understanding for First Australian People, and commitment to social change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs.

8 9 OUR RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN

The Brisbane Broncos established the first Reconciliation Action Plan in 2012 in conjunction with the Broncos working group and Reconciliation Australia.

Since 2012, the Broncos RAP program has expanded immensely with our plan now successfully reaching ‘Stretch’ RAP level. Our Stretch RAP demonstrates the Broncos’ commitment to the closing the gap campaign as we strive to close the social, health and economic gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples OUR RAP and other Australians through the Deadly Choices partnership and Beyond the Broncos program.

Under Reconciliation Australia’s Stretch RAP framework, the third Brisbane Broncos RAP will set measurable targets for the club under three pillars of Relationships, Respect and Opportunities which we will work to embed as the way in which we do business. This RAP refresh reiterates our genuine desire to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities and to improve outcomes for First Australian Peoples.

Brisbane Broncos Stretch RAP was developed and will be implemented by a working group consisting of:

● Chief Executive Officer – RAP Champion ● Community Services Coordinator ● Indigenous Program Officer ● Player Welfare and Indigenous Program Officer ● General Manager – External Relations and Corporate Strategy ● Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players ● Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members presently guiding the club in the engagement activities already in place

The working group meet twice a year to implement, monitor and track Broncos’ RAP and considers the club’s existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs. The Brisbane Broncos also work directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members which guide the club in engagement activities.

10 11 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

A number of key achievements and learnings have occurred since the first Brisbane Broncos Reconciliation Action Plan was launched in 2012.

During this time the Brisbane Broncos have recognised the achievements of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players with the announcement of Sam Thaiday as captain of the Brisbane Broncos in 2012, Justin Hodges as co-captain in 2014 and captain in 2015. As a senior player of the Brisbane Broncos playing group, Sam is also involved with the Broncos players’ Leadership Group.

Former Broncos players Jharal Yow Yeh, and Justin Hodges are currently working with the Brisbane Broncos as Indigenous Ambassadors of the club. They aim to increase the positive contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities within which we have a presence. In addition to their role as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ambassadors, Jharal and Justin have joined the Beyond The Broncos program as an Indigenous Support Officers and provide much needed advice and guidance to program participants. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Most significantly, the growing relationship with the Deadly Choices program is a point of pride. Since 2013 the growth of this program in partnership with the Brisbane Broncos has been extremely successful endeavouring to encourage healthy lifestyle choices in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This relationship is in line with the vision to closing the social, health and economic gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Queenslanders.

In recognition of the Brisbane Broncos’ commitment to reconciliation, the organisation won the Queensland Reconciliation Awards for 2015, in the Business Category, specifically for the Broncos Mentoring Program. This initiative has achieved remarkable results in just four years, with 656 participants moving into full time work or study on completion of their studies.

Artist: Brisbane Broncos artwork was commissioned in 2015 to be used for all Broncos Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs. Artist: Charlie Chambers (Jr).

Artwork: Charlie Chambers (Jr) is an Aboriginal Artist and Emu Egg Carver from Cherbourg which is North, West of Brisbane. His tribe is Jarowair from the Toowoomba, Dalby and Banyo Mountain region.

12 13 THE DEADLY CHOICES BRISBANE BRONCOS PARTNERSHIP

The Brisbane Broncos have been in partnership with the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) since 2013 with the objective of promoting to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices.

A main component of the partnership between the Broncos and the IUIH is the use of the Broncos I.P on the Deadly Choices jerseys. These specially designed jerseys are used to incentivise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to visit their local doctor for preventative health checks to prevent chronic diseases rather than the common reactive approach. Results in the first three years of the partnership have seen health checks increase year on year since the inception in 2013.

During 2013, 2014 and 2015 the partnership has built awareness through other activities throughout the year and at the annual NRL Close the Gap round. Examples of yearlong activities over the three years include;

● Filming and use of players in TVCs KEY ACHIEVEMENTS ● Player appearances for community days and school program visits ● Promotion of the program through the Broncos’ platforms such as: ● Video pre-roll ● Broncos Insider Free to Air TV program and website advertising ● Signage presence at home games and the Broncos training field ● Gym tours for students that have completed the program

Many more activities have assisted in promoting the need to make healthy choices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lifestyles. Examples that have been executed at the Close the Gap round each year include;

● Broncos fans signing the pledge to Close the Gap ● Recognition of past Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players through an on-field presentation ● Game day Bronco TV interviews with key personnel ● Program participants running out as mascots with the Broncos and away teams ● Teams from communities with a large Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation participating in pre-game mini-league with the Broncos players also playing the game against Bulldogs in 2014 in special edition Deadly Choices inspired socks

The yearlong activity of the partnership has been crucial to driving health awareness through the Deadly Choices program with the one-off Close the Gap round game being a crucial platform to communicate this message through the array of condensed activity that has occurred at game days. The partnership has been described by Oxfam as one of the best demonstrations of Closing the Gap, “The collaboration between the Brisbane Broncos, Deadly Choices and the Close the Gap campaign was a near perfect example of how the round can operate, highlighting Indigenous health at a local and national level.”

For 2016 and 2017 the partnership has further expanded with the Broncos and Deadly Choices to take components of the relationship regionally. This will further drive awareness of the program and initiative of educating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to take a health check and make healthy choices in their everyday life.

The Brisbane Broncos are looking forward to the continued partnership with the ultimate aim of closing the gap between First Australian Peoples and other Australians.

14 15 SCHOOL TO WORK SUCCESS “We believe that sporting organisations and playing sport can have a significant positive impact on the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.” Paul White, CEO

From 2010 to 2015, the Broncos’ Mentoring Program provided valuable support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 students in completing their senior studies and transitioning to further study, training or employment. This joint initiative by the Brisbane Broncos and the Australian Federal Government achieved remarkable results in five years, with 656 of participants moving into full time work or study on completion of their studies.

The program has provided the opportunity for year 12 students in supporting to reach their full potential by guiding the implementation of a range of life skill and job readiness initiatives. The program enhanced student’s school-to-work transition outcomes as well as providing participants with vital information to assist their

employment phase. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

In 2015, the ‘Beyond the Broncos’ Program was introduced. This program continues the emphasis on school to work transitions for year 12 students but also aims to increase school attendance for year 10 – 12 students. The Beyond the Broncos program will support around 450 year 10 – 12 students across 10 schools in the Caboolture, Brisbane Metropolitan, Logan and Ipswich regions from 2015 to 2017.

The features of this program include: ● Individual case management support by Broncos Indigenous Program Officers in each school; ● Delivery of cultural, educational and lifestyle workshops and yarning circles; ● Specialised mentoring from members of the Brisbane Broncos staff and players; ● Unique incentives and reward for achievement of personal goals during the program.

The Brisbane Broncos Community Programs Team takes pride in the ability to work closely with students on a one on one basis. This creates a strong relationship with each student, develops trust and builds rapport.

16 17 RELATIONSHIPS 1.4 Raise internal and external Community Coordinator January 2016 ● Develop, implement and communicate plan to awareness of the RAP to raise awareness about the club’s RAP commitment, AIM: The Brisbane Broncos recognise that building sustainable relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people plays an important role towards increase awareness and Corporate Affairs and Digital particularly with key internal stakeholders. reconciliation. By increasing the organisation’s knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, existing relationships are built upon and new relationships understanding within the club Manager January 2017 established to better engage with Australia’s First peoples. We believe that relationship building is a vital step to understanding and identifying key issues concerning ● Communicate Brisbane Broncos RAP commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Membership Coordinator all relevant areas of the club to ensure an understanding of how their area can contribute to the RAP. Focus areas: Community consultation; increased engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities ● Ensure the Broncos RAP is easily accessible on

RELATIONSHIPS website and hard copies are available for staff, players RELATIONSHIPS ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE TARGET and external stakeholders 1.1 RAP Working Group (RWG) Chief Executive Officer January, June 2016 ● RWG overseas development, endorsement and continues to actively monitor launch of RAP ● Include RAP launch in EDM to promote launch to RAP development, including Community Coordinator January, June 2017 members implementation of actions and ● RWG will meet at least twice a year to discuss tracking progress. implementing the RAP, including progress report tabled at each meeting 1.5 Engage and promote effectively Corporate Affairs and Digital October 2016 ● Continue to monitor and measure the exposure of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players with the aim Islander peoples content for more content in over the next subsequent years 1.2 Consult with Aboriginal and Player Welfare and Indigenous October 2016 ● Conduct an audit and continue to measure and capture through all available media October 2017 Torres Strait Islander peoples, Program Officer data relating to current involvement with Aboriginal and channels. ● Continue to highlight Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Elders, organisations and October 2017 Torres Strait Islander peoples, Elders, organisations and Islander players in Broncos TV Show ‘Broncos Insider’ stakeholders to establish stakeholders new and leverage existing ● Continue to monitor content of website and promote relationships news of significant First Australian Peoples events, 1.3 Celebrate National Community Coordinator 27th May – 3rd June 2016 ● Organise at least one internal event each year for partners and stakeholders Reconciliation Week (NRW) employees to promote and celebrate (NRW ) by providing opportunities for 27th May – 3rd June 2017 Aboriginal and Torres Strait ● Publish NRW dates on Brisbane Broncos website and Islander employees and promote on intranet calendar. other employees to build on relationships. ● Provide an opportunity for all staff to participate in community NRW events.

● Utilise Brisbane Broncos sphere of influence to engage, encourage and promote to the wider community NRW

● Register Brisbane Broncos NRW event on Reconciliation Australia website.

● Develop and communicate a list of key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendar days of events to staff

18 19 RESPECT 2.2 Continue practicing the Events Manager December 2016 ● Review, and communicate an updated list of key implementation of Welcome to contacts for organising a Welcome to Country from a AIM: Respect is a core value of the Brisbane Broncos. This is demonstrated through increased respect in every interaction between the organisation and Aboriginal Country and Acknowledgment Community Coordinator December 2017 local Traditional Owner and Torres Strait Islander peoples and community. of Country cultural protocols within the club ● Ensure new staff are informed of the meaning RESPECT The importance of learning First Australian Peoples history, cultures and achievements is acknowledged. A strong commitment is made to acknowledging and respecting and importance of a Welcome to Country and RESPECT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ traditions and continuous connection to Country. Acknowledgement of Country cultural protocols

Focus areas: Increased cultural recognition, awareness and appreciation ● Ensure an Acknowledgement of Country is provided at the commencement of all significant club events such as ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE TARGET the Season Launch, Presentation Ball, Regional Dinners and Charity Auction 2.1 Engage club staff and players Community Coordinator June 2016 ● Scope, develop and implement Cultural Awareness in cultural learning to increase Training Strategy for Brisbane Broncos which defines ● Continue to ensure a Welcome to Country by a local understanding and appreciation Welfare Manager June 2017 continuous cultural learning needs of employees in all Traditional Owner is included in all significant club events of Aboriginal and Torres Strait areas of our business and considers various ways of such as the launch of the Brisbane Broncos, Deadly Islander peoples’ history, which cultural learning can be provided (online, face to Choices partnership and launch of Brisbane Broncos cultures and achievements. face workshops, cultural immersion) RAP ● Cultural awareness training provided by the NRL will be utilised for all staff and players 2.3 Celebrate NAIDOC Week Community Coordinator July 2016 ● Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait and support Aboriginal and Islander employees and other employees to participate ● All new staff to complete online cultural learning in June Torres Strait Islander staff to in local NAIDOC week events each year which is available through the Reconciliation engage with their culture and July 2017 Australia’s Share Our Pride Website community through NAIDOC ● Schedule and aim for at least one player appearances Week activities. at schools and community events during NAIDOC week ● Encourage all staff and players to utilise Reconciliation Australia’s ‘Share Our Pride’ website ● Organise at least one internal event each year to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

● Investigate ways to be involved in Musgrave Park NAIDOC Week Family Fun Day

20 21 OPPORTUNITIES 3.3 Promote and support Aboriginal Community Programs Manager August 2016, 2017 ● Continue to promote and support the National Rugby and Torres Strait Islander social League’s annual Indigenous Round including the AIM: The Brisbane Broncos aim is to increase opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ participation in Rugby League. Specifically the initiatives/ campaigns national ‘Close the Gap’ campaign Brisbane Broncos aim to build the skills of employees and the wider community. January 2016, 2017 ● Promote and support Indigenous Leadership camps The Brisbane Broncos’ unique position will be utilised to increase opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the wider community. and the All Stars Youth Summit February 2016, 2017 Focus areas: Community development; game development; player welfare ● Promote and support Indigenous All Stars event on website and social media channels each year

OPPORTUNITIES December 2016, 2017 OPPORTUNITIES ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE TARGET ● Continue to support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait 3.1 Continue to support and Community Programs Manager December 2016 ● Review and update School to Work Transitions Islander peoples initiatives/ campaigns and aim to maintain school attendence program each year and ensure report is made available support at least four campaigns each year based programs December 2017 to stakeholders as required ● The Beyond The Broncos team will aim to support 450 year 10 – 12 students across 10 schools in the 3.4 Continue to conduct Brisbane Game Development Manager December 2016 ● Continue to support school and community coaching Caboolture, Brisbane Metropolitan, Logan and Ipswich Broncos school and community clinics and aim for at least 4 clinics a year areas each year in the Beyond the Broncos program coaching clinics in regional Community Coordinator December 2017 Queensland areas of high ● Promote and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Rugby League carnivals such as QLD Murri 3.2 Investigate partnership Community Programs Manager December 2016 ● Continue to deliver literacy programs to Aboriginal and Islander peoples population Carnival opportunities and strengthen Torres Strait Islander students in regional schools and education and literacy December 2017 aim for at least 6 visits each year programs/initiatives in areas of 3.5 Provide employment Chief Executive Officer December 2016 ● Maintain and aim to increase figure of 9% of Aboriginal high Aboriginal and Torres Strait ● Promote and support the sponsoring of Aboriginal and opportunities for Aboriginal and and Torres Strait Islander employees Islander peoples population Torres Strait Islander community events and initiatives Torres Strait Islander people December 2017 ● Provide professional development pathways for such as driver education programs through the Brisbane existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees Broncos website and social media ● Aim to have 3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees working on Broncos programs such as the Beyond the Broncos program ● Scope, develop and implement a formal senior leadership mentoring program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to be mentored by senior staff within the Broncos

3.6 Support Aboriginal and Torres Chief Executive Officer December 2016 ● Increase opportunities for businesses owned by Strait Islander businesses Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to provide when sourcing for club projects December 2017 goods and services for club projects and/ or events ● Engage with at least two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses on a club project each year

22 23 TRACKING PROGRESS AND REPORTING

ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE TARGET 4.1 Report Brisbane Broncos RAP Community Coordinator October 2016 ● Review and update available resourcing required for achievements, challenges and the RAP learnings to Reconciliation October 2017 Australia in the RAP Impact ● Report and submit RAP progress each year in Measurement Report Reconciliation Australia’s RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire

4.2 Report on Broncos RAP Community Coordinator December 2016, 2017 ● Report Broncos RAP progress to Senior Executives progress internally and and Board externally ● Broncos RAP progress available on Broncos website annually

4.3 Refresh Brisbane Broncos Community Coordinator December 2017 ● Refresh and update the Brisbane Broncos RAP based RAP on key learnings and achievements from previous RAP and forward to Reconciliation Australia for review and endorsement TRACKING PROGRESS AND REPORTING TRACKING PROGRESS

24 broncos.com.au [email protected] (07) 3858 9111