Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones today joined representatives of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to celebrate the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Reconciliation Action Plan.
"The Reconciliation Action Plan is an opportunity for Games partners to deliver legacy outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," Minister Jones said.
"I commend the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Corporation’s Yugambeh Elders Advisory Group, the Indigenous Working Group and the Embracing 2018 RAP Implementation Team for working closely with Games partners to encourage employment and training opportunities and greater cultural awareness.
"As we move closer to the Games, we will continue to strengthen a legacy of relationships, respect and opportunities in Queensland," Ms Jones said.
Since announcing the development of a RAP in 2015, the Office of the Commonwealth Games (OCG) and Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) have successfully implemented several reconciliation activities.
Gains have been made across many areas such as internal procurement, employment, staff training, events and cultural awareness initiatives.
The development of the GOLDOC Yugambeh Elders Advisory Group, Indigenous Working Group and the Embracing 2018 Indigenous Implementation Team were also milestones on the journey towards a more inclusive Queensland community.
The GC2018 RAP aims to:
1. increase procurement opportunities for Indigenous businesses
2. increase employment and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
3. increase Indigenous participation in healthy active lifestyle initiatives
4. increase awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language, culture and histories
5. improve connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC said the GC2018 RAP would contribute to the Games’ legacy by setting a benchmark for all future major events in Australia and across the Commonwealth.
"I am extremely proud of the initiative and passion that has underpinned the development of the GC2018 RAP and the subsequent outcomes generated as a result of our commitment.
"It is very fitting that this launch is taking place during Reconciliation Week and it very aptly supports the theme of ‘Let’s take next steps’.
"There are few things more powerful or moving in this country than the collective experience, traditions and insights that tell the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples cultures over hundreds of generations.
"The early engagement with the Traditional Custodians to form the Yugambeh Elders Advisory Group and the Indigenous Working Group, supporting local First Nation businesses, the ongoing inclusion of cultural activities at events and the use of Yugambeh language across a variety of GC2018 initiatives, to name just a few actions, all augur well for a greater awareness and understanding of our cultural heritage.
"The GC2018 RAP will leave a lasting legacy in many ways but particularly by setting a benchmark for future host nations of the Commonwealth Games and by highlighting the important role First Nations peoples play in celebrating tradition and culture across communities.’’
Visit the www.embracing2018.com or www.gc2018.com to find out more.
Supporting Quotes:
Community Elder, Mary Graham
From the onset, the engagement with the Yugambeh People has been respectful and inclusive and we are very proud to be here today as collectively we launch the first ever major event RAP.
We have thus far seen positive outcomes for Indigenous businesses, opportunities for employment and been a part of events where our culture is shared and celebrated across the Commonwealth.
Our hope is that this initiative becomes symbolic across the Commonwealth and through GC2018 and the celebration of sport, arts and culture we take further steps towards reconciliation.
Reconciliation Australia CEO, Justin Mohamed
Reconciliation Australia would like to congratulate the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018 on the launch of its Reconciliation Action Plan, particularly as this occurs during National Reconciliation Week; a timely celebration of the many achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the respectful relationships they share with other Australians.
GOLDOC CEO, Mark Peters
GOLDOC CEO, Mark Peters said he was immensely proud of the work already completed as part of the RAP and the fact that the RAP would set a positive precedent for other major events to follow.
Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive Officer, David Grevemberg CBE
Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive Officer, David Grevemberg CBE reiterated the Federation's wholehearted support for Gold Coast 2018 in delivering the first ever major event RAP stressing the importance of such initiatives in respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of indigenous people and celebrating their culture.
"Welcoming the Yugambeh Elders to the United Kingdom and Buckingham Palace in March this year to support the launch of the Queen’s Baton Relay and lead the Gold Coast 2018's invitation to the Games next year was a powerful and important moment in Commonwealth sport's history.
We passionately believe that Gold Coast 2018 can and must support the process of indigenous reconciliation and social justice, at home in Australia, and further afield by recognising and honouring First Nations people across the Commonwealth.
ENDS
For more information, please email media@goldoc.com or contact:
Tamara Morris: +61 400 658 429
Manager Communication and Media
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)
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