Touch Football Australia launches Reconciliation Action Plan

Touch Football Australia (TFA) in partnership with Reconciliation Australia have worked with the Indigenous Community over the past 12 months to develop our Touch Football Reflect Reconciliation Action plan (RAP). The process has allowed TFA to pause and reflect on what we have achieved and currently undertake to respect and celebrate our Indigenous participants and culture. Our sport is formally recognised as being founded on the Eora nation in 1968.

The TFA RAP panel is chaired by the current Australian Emus Men’s coach and proud Waka Waka & Wangan man Phil Gyemore.

TFA RAP Panel members:

• Emus Men’s Head Coach, Phil Gyemore (Waka Waka and Wangan man)
• Emus Youth Assistant Coach, Melissa Mitchell (Bundjalung woman)
• Emus Men’s Player, Justin Costello (Larrakeyah man from the Aargun mob)
• Touch Football Administrator and Player, Jodie Clarke (Worimi country)
• TFA GM – Participation, Brad Mitchell
• TFA National Education & Policy Manager, James Sharp
• TFA National Inclusion Manager, Luke Heckendorf

The key focus areas of the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan are:

• Understanding: To assist the sport at all levels to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous Culture and Histories.
• Health and physical activity: Indigenous children have a life expectancy which is 8 years less than non-indigenous children. Participation in sport such as Touch Football can assist with positive health outcomes and commitment to better choices and better outcomes.
• Education: Linking education through physical activity. Our RAP panel has identified Indigenous champions to help educate on healthy choices and positive outcomes through Touch Football.
• Safe space for Indigenous People: We are committed to ensuring the Sport is a safe space not only on the field or at the local club but at all levels from the board room and the office.
• Our RAP process is not a ‘set and forget’ TFA has committed to a better understanding and commitment to our Indigenous community. The Reconciliation process will be ongoing and will evolve over time to ensure our sport remains one of the most inclusive team sports in Australia.

The TFA Reflect RAP is the first step of Touch Football Australia’s reconciliation process. Click here to view the RAP in full.