Bowls Victoria Lays Out Reconciliation Action Plan Next Steps
The ‘Why?’
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is one way in which an organisation can seek to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. It is a formal commitment to seek to strengthen relationships, respect, and opportunities.
The Victorian Government has recently advised that all State Sporting Associations must complete a RAP to be eligible for funding moving forward. Bowls Victoria had commenced drafting a RAP prior to this time, in consultation with our membership.
The RAP will focus on actions in four key areas: relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance. Examples of potential actions include:
- Promote reconciliation through bowls
- Promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies
- Build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week
- Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes
- Establish and maintain an effective RAP Working Group (RWG) to drive governance of the RAP
Many actions in the RAP will be simple and, in some instances, already applicable, such as adherence to anti-discrimination and/or recognition of NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Weeks.
Call for Working Group Representatives
In releasing a draft document and inviting community feedback, Bowls Victoria will also be seeking interest from the membership for RAP Working Group Representatives.
The RAP Working Group will complement the existing Advisory Group and work alongside Bowls Victoria personnel to help coordinate and monitor the RAP implementation.
