Government and AFL partner to show Victorian students the power of diversity

A new program to promote and celebrate cultural diversity is set to be implemented in Victorian schools with the Victorian Government and the AFL announcing a new partnership to stamp out racial intolerance.

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine, AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou and Minister for Education Martin Dixon at Debney Meadows Primary School in Flemington, to announce a competition for Victorian school students called One Team, One Goal – Celebrating Diversity.

Premier Napthine stated "with more than 26% of Victorians born overseas, cultural diversity is one of Victoria's greatest assets and something that we should celebrate and be proud of.

"The AFL is a leading organisation in promoting diversity through initiatives such as the Indigenous Round. Sharing these values will be integral to the way students across Victoria interact with others, during and after their schooling years.

"The One Team, One Goal – Celebrating Diversity competition will help students gain a full understanding of the importance of cultural diversity and the harm that can be caused by bullying and intolerance."

Demetriou said the AFL was proud to partner with the Victorian Government to encourage inclusion through the One Team, One Goal competition.

He added "Australian football has the extraordinary power to bring people together and break down social barriers regardless of background.

"Through our support for this Victorian Government initiative we want to help raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and tap into the creativity of Victoria's young people to promote the countless benefits of this state's rich cultural diversity."

Australia Post AFL Multicultural ambassador Bachar Houli and AFL Coles Indigenous programs ambassador Shaun Burgoyne attended the event, and encouraged all Victorian schools to take part in One Team, One Goal.

Primary students will be asked to create a poster reflecting the themes of the competition – diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism – while secondary students will produce a logo, with the winning design to be printed on AFL Sherrin footballs.

With the National Day of Action against Bullying being held today (Friday 21st December), Victorian Minister for Education Martin Dixon encouraged schools consider getting involved in the One Team, One Goal initiative.

Minister Dixon stated "every Victorian school has a strong student wellbeing focus, and the (Victorian) Government is committed to ensuring schools are safe, inclusive and supportive environments for learning."

One Team, One Goal is now open to all Victorian school students and entries close on Friday 23rd May.

For more information visit www.education.vic.gov.au/oneteam