Netball Queensland launches Reconciliation Action Plan

Netball Queensland has seen through a commitment in its cultural journey with the launch of its Reconciliation Action plan (RAP).

Yesterday’s launch at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena saw representatives from Netball Queensland’s First Nations Advisory Committee, RAP Working Group and Netball Queensland partners, staff members and the Queensland Firebirds team all in attendance, joined by guests including John Paul Langebroek, Queensland shadow Minister for Seniors, Communities and Disability Services, and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Robyn Littlewood, Chief Executive of Health & Wellbeing Queensland.

Speaking at the launch, Netball Queensland Chief Executive, Kate Davies advised “as stated by Reconciliation Australia, ‘at its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians’.

“The RAP signifies Netball Queensland’s formal organisational commitment to hold itself accountable in turning intentions into practical, meaningful actions and outcomes.

“My commitment as leader of this organisation, is that Netball Queensland will provide the environment for all Netball Queensland staff and athletes to thrive and feel supported and respected at all times.”

Playing an integral part in bringing this to life is Netball Queensland RAP Advisor, Grace Sarra, who joined the organisation last year to lead this.

Sarra, a proud Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang woman whose Aboriginal ancestors dwell in the Bundaberg area, said it was an overwhelming feeling to see the RAP launched.

Sarra stated “we always live by the mantra that our sport is stronger when we are united and the launch of the RAP again highlights that we are committed to this cause.

“The RAP is imperative to our ongoing cultural journey of respecting and celebrating First Nations peoples’ contributions to netball.

“There is still a lot more work to be done by us all, though I am proud of everyone involved at Netball Queensland to be leading and so proactive on this.”

A special feature of the RAP Launch was the accompanying artwork from First Nations artist Rachael Sarra - which helps tell the story of Netball Queensland’s cultural journey.

Sarra, who created the organisation’s first artwork, explained that the latest piece was an evolution of the Uniting Flames artwork launched in 2018.

Images: Scenes from yesterday's Reconciliation Action Plan launch.