Fitness industry takes action on reconciliation

Fitness Australia has launched a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which aims to help ‘Close the Gap’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through participation and employment in the health and fitness industry.

Introducing the initiative, Fitness Australia Chief Executive Lauretta Stace states “as the industry’s peak group, I believe we have a significant role in helping reduce health and fitness inequalities among Australians.

“That is why we have developed an industry specific Action Plan.

“The Reconciliation Action Plan is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to become exercise professionals. In addition this RAP is about facilitating appropriate guidance to fitness services on the provision of culturally aware and safe environments.

“By enhancing respectful and equitable relationships throughout the industry the desired outcome is that more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will feel comfortable to work and participate in fitness services.”

Fitness Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan was developed following widespread consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and individuals. The intended outcomes of the Action Plan are to:

• Promote and support an inclusive culture across the fitness industry

• Build genuine partnerships based on trust and respect

• Increase opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander exercise professionals

• Support fitness service providers to increase opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients to participate in culturally safe services.

The two year Action Plan is based on the following key platforms of reconciliation:

Relationships: Building strong relationships and improving cultural awareness and safety throughout the fitness industry to increase access and participation.

Respect: Respect and recognition is the foundation of reconciliation and can be achieved through the delivery of diverse and inclusive services.

Opportunities: Trust and respect will lead to greater employment opportunities. This can be achieved through training and mentoring programs, formal and informal gatherings, partnerships and joint agreements.

Fitness Australia has also been invited to become a member of a new national health Reconciliation Industry Networking Groups (RING) made up of peak health organisations from across the country created by Medibank and Reconciliation Australia. This network of health organisations will come together to share best practice ideas and develop Reconciliation solutions.

For further information on Fitness Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan please go to www.fitness.org.au/RAP  

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