Sam Almaliki
Senior Manager: Community Engagement
Phone 03 9653 9928
Fax 03 9653 8889
Email Sam.Almaliki@cricket.com.au
Paul Stewart
Indigenous Cricket Officer
Phone 03 9653 9939
Fax 03 9653 8889
Email Paul.Stewart@cricket.com.au
Belinda Bacon
Senior Manager – People & Culture
Phone 03 9653 9980
Fax 03 96538889
Email Belinda.Bacon@cricket.com.au
Reconciliation Australia congratulates Australian Cricket on the launch of their first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2014 - 2018. The RAP is a firm statement of Australian Cricket’s vision to become Australia’s favourite sporta sport for all Australians, and in particular formalising Australian Cricket’s commitment to Australia’s First Peoples at all levels of the game from the grass roots up. This RAP will help to support and strengthen Australian Cricket’s ongoing achievements—such as the implementation of their National Indigenous Cricket Strategy that is focused on the growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation and acceleration of talent.
Through this RAP, Australian Cricket demonstrates an understanding that engagement begins with meaningful respect of the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage. Cricket Australia will use its unique position as a leading national sports organisation to build awareness and appreciation amongst staff, players and the general public of the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. RAP actions such as a Welcome to Country at all men’s and women’s test matches will reach a National audience of more than 2 million people.
Australian Cricket is also to be commended on the strong leadership and governance driving their RAP commitment, with the full involvement and support of the National Indigenous Cricket Advisory Committee (NICAC) in RAP development and implementation. The NICAC will continue to ensure strong representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australian Cricket’s RAP journey in all states and territories across Australia.
Reconciliation Australia warmly welcomes Australian Cricket to the RAP program.
Sutherland CRICKET AUSTRALIA, CEO
It is with great pleasure that we introduce Australian Cricket’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are central to Australian Cricket’s vision to be Australia’s favourite sport – a sport for all Australians. In recent years, we have strengthened our commitment to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, fans, employees, administrators and officials by investing significant time and effort in the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific cricket initiatives and programs. This includes the establishment of:
• a National Indigenous Cricket Strategy for Game and Market Development 2014/15-2017/18 which encompasses a number of programs to promote Indigenous participation in cricket and seeks to deepen Australian Cricket’s engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• an ANU Research Project and Report into Indigenous cricket in Australia
• local Indigenous advisory committees in each State and Territory
• a National Indigenous Cricket Advisory Committee (NICAC).
The development of our first Reconciliation Action Plan is the next logical step for Australian Cricket to build on what has already been achieved to date, and to formalise our ongoing commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan details some significant undertakings for Australian Cricket which we are committed to achieving. We look forward to reporting on the progress of the actions outlined in this Reconciliation Action Plan and to measure the positive impact our game is having for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.
CRICKET AUSTRALIA, NATIONAL INDIGENOUS CRICKET ADVISORY COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
Australian Cricket’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander equality and inclusion has been evident in recent years by the adoption of a number of programs and initiatives. The development of Australian Cricket’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan enhances the commitment Australian Cricket has already made to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in our game. Importantly, it also articulates what Australian Cricket can do, within our sphere of influence, to help close the gap and promote reconciliation.
This Reconciliation Action Plan is a positive development for Australian Cricket as it outlines several important actions designed to raise awareness and build pride in the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to our sport and the community. It reinforces our commitment to celebrating the successes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and strives to enhance Australian Cricket’s respect and recognition of the diverse cultures of our nation’s First People.
We are all well aware of the significant benefits sport can bring for individuals and the community.
This Reconciliation Action Plan is about ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can realise these benefits no matter their location, ability, age or gender.
CRICKET AUSTRALIA, EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER
Our purpose as a sport is to unite and inspire Australia, and there is a no more important endeavour to bring our nation together than that of reconciliation.
Australian Cricket is deeply committed to the engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as participants, fans, employees, administrators and officials. Our commitment extends to all levels of our game, from the grass roots up. We are proud to demonstrate this by way of tangible initiatives and partnerships that are making a considerable difference to individuals and communities alike.
By bringing to life this Reconciliation Action Plan we seek to promote, with a great sense of pride, the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities, and the long standing association with Australian Cricket. We firmly believe respectful engagement begins with understanding and appreciating cultures and customs, and this Reconciliation Action Plan is an important document which will commit our entire sport to meaningful and respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Cricket is a powerful tool for breaking down the perceived barriers between people. It helps to bring us all together.
Coach
Australian Cricket has a vision to be Australia’s favourite sport – a sport for all Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are central to this vision.
We are deeply committed to the engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as participants, fans, staff, administrators and officials. Our game plays a significant role in uniting and inspiring Australians. There is no more important endeavour to bring our nation together in reconciliation.
We truly believe that everyone has a role to play in promoting reconciliation. Our vision for reconciliation is to establish an inclusive and culturally-safe environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the opportunity to excel and fulfil their potential. With our national reach, we can play a significant role in the reconciliation journey by promoting mutual respect and
Cricket Australia (CA) is the custodian of Australian Cricket and has a vision to make cricket the nation’s favourite sport. CA has more than 200 employees across its head office in Melbourne and the BUPA National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, as well as staff based in various locations across Australia. There are currently 19 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed on a full-time basis across Australian Cricket.
Tasmania Cricket Association to be adjusted to Cricket Tasmania, The Australian Capital Territory Cricket Association to be adjusted to Cricket ACT The Northern Territory Cricket Association to be adjusted to NT Cricket Therefore the last sentence reads Cricket ACT and NT Cricket are non-member associations.
Australian Cricket is governed by a nine-person Board comprised of three independent Directors and one Director appointed by each of the six State Associations. In 2011, the CA Board adopted a Strategy for Australian Cricket (2011-2015). Central to this strategy is its vision for cricket: to be Australia’s favourite sport.
In order to achieve this vision, the strategy contains both short-term targets and long-term aspirations. In the short-term (by 2015), cricket aims to be number one in the country for:
• viewership
• fan passion
• participation
• team success
In the longer term, cricket aspires to be number one in the country for:
• share of all sports media voice
• attendance
• investment in the game.
Underpinning our strategy is a commitment to build, strengthen and promote strong working relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Australia. To achieve this, Australian Cricket and our structures will work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and the State and Territory cricket associations to develop inspirational leaders that will be involved in the delivery of programs to not only grow the game of cricket, but to promote mutual respect and
Indigenous cricket has a rich history in Australia. Many Australians would not be aware that Indigenous cricket flourished in certain parts of Australia in the mid-1800s. In fact, the very first Australian team to embark on an international tour in any sport was an Indigenous cricket team in 1868, some ten years before a recognised Australian team toured overseas. This was a monumental achievement for any sporting team back in the 19th century, let alone an Indigenous cricket team consisting of players that hailed from Western Victoria.
We seek to promote, with
great
sense of pride, the history and culture of our nation’s First Peoples and their long standing association with cricket.
Sam Almaliki
Cricket Australia Senior Manager Community Engagement
This in itself was a huge feat for, during this era, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were not recognised as Australian citizens.
In the early 1900s, there were a handful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers who played at a first class level, including Jack Marsh, Albert Henry and Eddie Gilbert. In fact, after he was dismissed for a duck, Sir Don Bradman said that he had never faced a faster bowler than Eddie Gilbert. Although it was evident that they possessed the skill to play first class cricket, society at the time did not perceive or recognise the talents of these players.
There was a long wait until an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander player would be selected to represent Australia. It came in the form of Faith Thomas, who was selected in 1958 to play against England. Faith played one Test for Australia and holds the mantle as the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person to be selected for an Australian team.
It was not until 1996 that we would see another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person selected to play for Australia. Jason Gillespie played 71 Tests for Australia between 1996 and 2006 and is the only player in the history of Australian cricket to take more than 200 wickets and score a double century. Recently, Dan Christian has played One Day Internationals and T20 cricket for Australia.
Approximately two per cent of all club cricket participants are from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
In 2014, it is anticipated that 14,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players will participate across club, school and community cricket programs. Although there are several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players on the State and Territory contracted list, none are currently in the Australian squad or on the CA contracted players list.
Australian Cricket has been heavily involved with Indigenous cricket programs through governance, entry level programs, administration and promotion and marketing. However we recognise that the development of a RAP is an important endeavour as it formalises our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and social inclusion.
A RAP will provide a mechanism for Australian Cricket for improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to acknowledge, celebrate and respect our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, staff and fans as Australia’s First Peoples.
Throughout 2014, Cricket Australia has worked closely with NICAC and the State and Territory cricket associations to develop a National Indigenous Cricket Strategy 2014-2018 This document builds upon CA’s Strategic Plan to increase participation across clubs and communities, grow investment, marketing and communication and to strengthen pathways.
The RAP is one of the tools that can be utilised to complement and assist in the implementation of our National Indigenous Cricket Strategy to achieve Cricket Australia’s goal of becoming Australia’s favourite sport and a sport for all. In order to develop actions and objectives which are realistic and measurable, we engaged PwC’s Indigenous Consulting (PIC) to develop the first iteration of Australian Cricket’s RAP.
PIC worked closely with the National Indigenous Cricket Advisory Committee (NICAC), who will act as the RAP Working Group (in conjunction with Australian Cricket’s Diversity Council), to develop this RAP. The RAP is informed by extensive consultations with various stakeholders across Australian Cricket, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander administrators, players and staff.
The Reconciliation Action Plan and the National Indigenous Cricket Strategy are tools that will help Australian Cricket open doors for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Tasmania ICAC
Despite the lack of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in Australian squads in recent years, Australian Cricket has invested significant time and funds in the development of Indigenous cricket programs and pathways.
The standard [of cricket] at the Imparja Cup has stepped up so much since I first played a couple of years ago. Everything is done so professionally and it has helped give me direction and a sense of purpose.
Current player
For example, a National Aboriginal Cricket Forum was convened in 2001 which established a nominated advisory committee to develop a strategy for Indigenous cricket. The forum also led to a cricket game between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) Chairman’s XI and the Prime Minister’s XI to recognise the significance of the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in cricket both prior to and since Australian Federation.
Over the years, a governance structure to develop and progress Indigenous cricket was initiated that required the formation of State- and Territory-based Indigenous Cricket Advisory Committees (ICAC). These in turn report to a National Cricket Advisory Committee (NICAC) which has high Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation. The NICAC includes State and Territory game development managers and designated CA Board members.
The NICAC structure is now the leading decision making point for initiatives to promote and increase participation and growth in Indigenous cricket. It has a direct link to executive leadership within Australian Cricket, with a NICAC Co-Chair sitting on the Cricket Australia Board.
In addition to a strong governance structure, there has been a concerted effort by NICAC, the State and Territory associations and Cricket Australia to implement a wide range of programs to increase the participation rate amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In addition to the playing base, this includes increasing the number of coaches, administrators, employees and officials.
Other major achievements to date have seen the marked improvement in the standard of cricket at the National Indigenous Cricket Carnival – the Imparja Cup. From humble beginnings, this carnival is now a fully-fledged national competition for both male and female cricketers, with a strong focus on the development of promising young cricketers. Pathways are now opening up for Imparja Cup players to be identified for State and Territory age division competitions (Under 17, Under 19), to be selected for a training camp at the Bupa national Cricket Centre or to attend State and Territory high performance programs.
The high performance program provides further opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to be selected to participate in touring sides. In the past, players have toured and played against Papua New Guinea, East Asia Pacific and State academy squads among other. This allows the players to showcase their talents in front of a range of State and Territory and national selectors with a view to one day playing in the Baggy Green.
Australian Cricket is aware of the immense role it can play in closing the gap. We are committed to building strong and cohesive partnerships with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community across the game.
Objective Australian Cricket fosters cohesive and positive working partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Implement an Indigenous cricket media plan to communicate Australian Cricket’s achievements in Indigenous cricket and to increase cricket’s voice and reach within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week by providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and other employees to build relationships.
Senior Manager
Community Engagement
National Indigenous Cricket Officer
Communications Manager May 2015
State & Territory
Community
Engagement Staff
Indigenous Cricket Officer
Communications Manager
Increase the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on Australian Cricket’s Boards. Diversity Council
NICAC and Australian Cricket’s Diversity Council will act as the RAP Working Group. It includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives.
Provide tailored support for cricket clubs to deliver the various elements of the National Indigenous Cricket Strategy.
Increase the number of scholarships provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players.
Develop a national mentoring program for talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricket players to assist with retention.
Senior
State & Territory Community Engagement Staff
National Indigenous Cricket Officer
National Indigenous
National Indigenous
Cricket Australia to produce an Indigenous media plan to ensure that cricket is promoted within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media outlets.
Annually (May) Organise at least one internal event each year.
To have at least three Board Directors of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background across Australian Cricket Boards.
RAP to become a standing agenda item on all NICAC and Diversity Council meetings held during the life of this RAP.
State & Territories to engage an Indigenous community hub within their region.
To provide three male and three female cricket scholarships for Indigenous cricketers to engage with specialist coaches through Cricket Australia’s High Performance program.
Continue to evolve the National Indigenous Squad Male Development Program and introduce a similar Female Program encompassing training and playing opportunities supported by high performance coaching and mentoring.
Objective Australian Cricket fosters cohesive and positive working partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures is shifting from something we have to do to something we want to do. Celebrating and respecting differences is an essential part of Australian Cricket becoming a truly inclusive association.
Implement formal Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country ceremonies as part of Cricket Australia’s events, all men’s and women’s international fixtures, KFC T20 Big Bash League (BBL) matches and formal meetings.
Formulate a protocol for the conduct of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ceremonies (eg Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country; smoking ceremonies, etc) and engage employees in understanding these ceremonies to ensure there is shared meaning.
Engage employees, Board members and senior management in Australian Cricket in cultural awareness training to increase understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition plaques to be displayed in all State and Territory receptions.
Establish a calendar of significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events (eg NAIDOC) which Australian Cricket will actively celebrate.
Work with Cricket Australia’s partners to identify joint reconciliation and awareness raising initiatives.
Cricket Australia Chairperson
Event Presentation
State & Territory
Community
Engagement Staff
Indigenous Cricket Officer
Big Bash League Annually (March)
Senior ManagerPeople and Culture
State & Territory
Community
Engagement Staff
Indigenous Cricket Officer
Senior ManagerPeople & Culture
Senior Manager -
Community Engagement
State & Territory
Community
Engagement Staff
Indigenous Cricket Officer
Senior ManagerPeople & Culture
Senior ManagerCommunity Engagement
National Indigenous Cricket Officer
State & Territory
Community
May 2015
To ensure that a Welcome to Country is performed prior to each match that has an anthem ceremony, ‘including each KFC T20 Big Bash League club’s first home match.
Annually (March)
Acknowledgement and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ceremonies and cultural practices is part of the Australian Cricket culture and ethos.
All employees, Board Members and Senior Management Staff have completed the online assessment of the A Sport For All resource, Australian Cricket’s diversity and inclusion education program which places considerable focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and engagement.
Investigate a schedule of other cultural learning opportunities for Australian Cricket’s staff.
Engagement Staff August 2015
National Indigenous Cricket Officer
State & Territory
Community Engagement Staff
Cricket Australia to unveil and permanently display a plaque that recognises the Traditional Owners that their building(s) are situated on.
Annually (September) To promote significant events within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
Conduct internal NAIDOC celebrations. Identify external NAIDOC celebrations or events.
Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other employees to participate in local NAIDOC Week events.
Senior Manager
Community Engagement
Commercial Partnerships Manager
Annually (July)
Commercial Partnerships Manager to explore possible joint ventures with current and new Cricket Australia partners.
We need to provide genuine pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be engaged with the game – whether as players, as staff, as business partners or as fans.
Establish an Indigenous employment and development strategy with the aim of increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees across Australian Cricket.
Provide additional opportunities for talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to engage at the highest level by extending invitations to participate in international and state cricket events (eg workshops, training sessions, etc).
State and Territory cricket associations to become a member of Supply Nation in order to increased supplier diversity within Australian Cricket.
Investigate the development of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business procurement strategy which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suppliers particularly in relation to the delivery of programs and initiatives within the National Indigenous Cricket Strategy.
Objective Australian Cricket will partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to increase leadership, education, employment and business opportunities.
Senior Manager People and Culture
State and territory HR team’s
June 2018
Establish for a database for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
Review existing HR procedures and policies to explore the barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
Increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees across Australian Cricket.
State and Territory Talent Managers
State & Territory
Community Engagement Staff
National Indigenous Cricket Officer
Procurement
Manager
National Indigenous Cricket Officer
Procurement
Manager
National Indigenous Cricket Officer
December 2015
To continue to invest in the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent through International and State cricket events.
December 2015 To promote and have all State and Territory Cricket Association to become a Supply Nation member.
December 2015
Seek to develop at least one commercial relationship with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned business.
Report the achievement of the RAP actions to the Cricket Australia Board on a biannual basis.
Report the achievements, challenges and learning to Reconciliation Australia for inclusion in its Annual Impact Measurement Report.
Prepare and publish an annual progress report as part of Cricket Australia’s Annual Report.
Develop an evaluation framework to measure the impact of Australian Cricket’s investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives.
Senior Manager
Community Engagement
National Indigenous Cricket Officer
Senior Manager
Community Engagement
National Indigenous Cricket Officer
Senior Manager
Community Engagement
National Indigenous Cricket Officer
Evaluate the RAP at least 12 months prior to the next iteration of the RAP.
June 2018
Achievement of the RAP actions is an agenda item for the Cricket Australia Board on a biannual basis.
Annually (June)
Tracking the progress of the RAP is front of mind amongst Australian Cricket’s leadership, with reports to RA provided on an annual basis.
Annually (June) Ensure visible reporting of progress against RAP actions.
Senior Manager Community Engagement
National Indigenous Cricket Officer
Senior Manager Community Engagement
Senior Manager People and Culture
National Indigenous Cricket Officer
NICAC
June 2015
Ensure an effective and efficient funding model is in place to support the delivery of the National Indigenous Cricket Strategy and the attainment of intended outcomes.
June 2017
Evaluate the RAP and ensure the evaluation informs the development of the next iteration of Australian Cricket’s RAP.
