IN March, the Carlton Football Club proudly launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2023-2025.

The aim of this RAP, being the third RAP in the Club’s history, is to create opportunities for the Club and its community to learn about, accept and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

It has looked to incorporate reconciliation activities into daily practice whilst also identifying opportunities within the business to positively influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures.

Since the launch, the Club is pleased to announce it is on track to completing the RAP deliverables for the first year.

Highlights include the procurement of cultural activities, artefacts and products from First Nations people and businesses, with a strong staff interest and high attendance in structured cultural education sessions.

Carlton also consulted with First Nations community members and organisations to assist in the development of a suite of community programs which aim to increase self-determination.

Further, the Club has undertaken work to review policies and strategies to support the workplace in ensuring it is a culturally-safe environment for First Nations peoples.

Since undertaking the latest RAP, one challenge that arose was the additional effort required in education around external matters, which took away from planned activities.

The Club is also still working to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workplace participants at Carlton by reviewing current practices and consulting with stakeholders.

The Club is also still working to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workplace participants at Carlton.

Carlton Football Club CEO and Club RAP Champion Brian Cook said the Club has seen some significant achievements since the RAP launch.

“We are very pleased with where the Club is placed at this point of the Reconciliation Action Plan,” Cook said.

“As a Club we place significant importance and dedication to creating opportunities for learning and supporting our First Nations histories and cultures and it is great to see some of the successes of the RAP already achieved.

“We will ensure we continue to share our highlights, challenges and learnings as we enter into the next stage of the RAP, as we continue to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture on and off the field.”