Tenpin Bowling Australia launches first Reconciliation Action Plan

Tenpin Bowling Australia has officially released its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as part of the sporting body’s reconciliation journey commitment.

Following the 20th anniversary of Reconciliation Australia this year, and the theme for National Reconciliation Week 2021 calling out “tokenistic” responses to Reconciliation, it has emphasised that Reconciliation can only be achieved through meaningful reflection, dialogue, and action.

Upon reflection, Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA) as a national sporting organisation acknowledged that it needed to act and do more, and, as approved by the TBA Board, moved to swiftly put together an Indigenous Advisory Group with the initial goal of developing the organisation’s first Reconciliation Action Plan.

TBA Chairman Jerome Joseph, explained “this is a significant day in the history of TBA.

“We recognise as an organisation that we are at the very start of our reconciliation journey, but I am very proud that we have taken a huge step … by releasing TBA’s first Reconciliation Action Plan.”

A RAP is a framework specific to an organisation that aims to demonstrate support and actions taken towards Reconciliation with the purpose to strengthen relationships within the community, leading ultimately to broader benefits for all Australians.

Releasing the RAP last week, Joseph explained “the aim is to make reconciliation part of our workplace culture and decision making.

“I am excited to see the actions implemented to showcase who we want to be as a sport and organisation in achieving meaningful outcomes both internally and in the communities that we operate.”

Structured consistently with the four pillars of TBA’s Strategic plan - Business of Bowling, Playful Connections, A Striking Force, and Pinned Together - the RAP ensures that TBA are in the best position to implement effective, practical, and reportable actions.

Joseph noted “none of the four pillars of our strategic plan act in isolation; instead, all are intertwined in how we aim to operate each day.

“It also ensures we remain focused on our vision of building strong relationships within the community and actively connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and nonindigenous people through play and skill of the sport.”

Initially, the TBA Indigenous Advisory Group consisted of Joseph; TBA Chief Executive, Rohan O’Neill and the National Indigenous Culinary Institute Chief Executive, Nathan Lovett. The Advisory Group has met frequently following the National Reconciliation Week reflection in late May 2021 and there are plans to expand the Groups’ members now that the RAP has been finalised.

Excited for the RAP release, the TBA Chairman also reinforced that it is only the first step the organisation is implementing towards Reconciliation, adding “I would like to extend our gratitude to Nathan Lovett, who has been an invaluable contributor with formalising our RAP. 

“We are proud to release the RAP and for it to become an official reference point in what we do moving forward.

“Ultimately, we can play a more meaningful role in our contribution towards Reconciliation in this country and it’s a role we are extremely excited to undertake.”