RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN PROGRESS UPDATE AND CALL FOR WORKING GROUP EOI
Published Thu 30 May 2024
Water Polo Australia's (WPA) first Reconciliation Action Reflect Plan was launch in August 2023, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and developed by WPA’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, led by Co-Chairs and Water Polo Olympians Dean Semmens and Nathan Thomas.
Since launching our RAP, Water Polo Australia has:
- Released WPA’s first Reconciliation artwork, created by indigenous artist and Boxing Olympian Brad Hore, and integrated the artwork into event signage, referee uniforms, International team gifts and worked with our partner Kap7 to release a limited edition swimwear and towel design.
- Reviewed WPA employment policies and operating procedures to ensure inclusive and respective practices are in place
- Incorporated WPA’s own acknowledgement of country statement into our resources as well as tools to support our staff and athletes on how to respectfully and authentically incorporate cultural protocols such as acknowledgments, welcome to country and traditional land owner recognition into our operations and communications
- Introduced an Indigenous round into the 2024 AWL season, celebrating the indigenous athletes and coaches leading our sport.
- Piloted the DeadlyPolo concept at the 2024 Australian Youth Championships , with 12 indigenous teens participating in a skills session, accompanied by WPA past and future Olympians, with plans to roll-out the concept more widely late 2024.
- Implemented cultural awareness training and experience opportunities for WPA staff, including an Indigenous painting experience for WPA staff in celebration of 2024 Reconciliation week
- Committed to renewing our Reconciliation commitment as we look to move towards an Innovate Reconciliation Action plan at the end of the year.
WPA would like to thank the commitment, guidance and passion of the WPA Reconciliation Plan Action Working group over the last 12 months. WPA would also like to acknowledge and thank, former co-chair and Water Polo Olympian Nathan Thomas and Olympian Amy Ridge following their recent resignations from the working group.
WPA is calling for expression of interest to expand WPA’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group as we prepare to develop our Innovate plan for 2024 and beyond. If you would like to express your interest, please see below the Working Group terms of reference and link to the online expression of interest form. Expressions of interest are open now and close 15th June 2024. If you have questions please reach out for a discussion via info@waterpoloaustralia.com.au
CLICK HERE to fill out the Expression of Interest form
