Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Touch Football Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Priorities
Touch Football Australia respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
Touch Football Australia has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of bullying, harassment, or racial vilification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Unjust treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will not be tolerated within our sport or workplace.
What We Do
Touch Football Australia (TFA) is committed to ensuring we provide opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to participate in the game of Touch Football across Australia. TFA has several existing programs, events and partnerships with key stakeholders which seek to advance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Touch Football including:
- Delivery of the yearly Indigenous Knockout Tournament.
- Yearly participation in the NRL's Indigenous All-Stars event.
- A current TFA coach is a member of the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council (ARLIC).
- Our national teams were recently renamed, connecting the team to Country.
- An Indigenous jersey was launched at the 2019 Touch Football World Cup and worn in competition, the first Australian sporting team to do so in a World Cup competition.
- At the 2020 Youth Trans-Tasman Test Series, the Emus uniforms incorporated Indigenous artwork into all facets of the uniform for the first time.
- Delivery of the non-contact participation grant targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Acknowledgement of country live reads to be conducted at major national events.
National Indigenous Touch Football Knock Out
Touch Football Australia hosts the annual National Indigenous Touch Football Knockout (NITFKO). The event aims to celebrate the talents of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community while also advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, awareness and prevention.
Days of Significance
Days of significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples recognises and honours their history and culture. These days provide an opportunity for all to reflect on and learn more about the stories and cultural practices of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Click the link to discover a list of significant days for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community for your club and team to learn more about and discuss to help increase awareness about upcoming days.
Inclusion
Touch Football Australia Inclusion
Everyone can play. Touch Football Australia is committed to making Touch Football a safe, inclusive and welcoming place for all Australians regardless of gender, sexuality, ability or cultural background.
Available Support
If you would like to learn more about what TFA is doing to promote and include the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community or how you or your club can become more inclusive, you can contact our Inclusion Team here: inclusion@touchfootball.com.au
