• The numbers highlighting Indigenous players' immense impact on Australian rules football, Cody Atkinson and Sean Lawson, ABC News, (20 August 2020). The colossal impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander footballers is difficult to put in words. So, on the eve of this year's Indigenous Round, let's delve into some of the numbers that illustrate their contributions.
  • 87 Indigenous Australians are currently on AFL lists — which is about 11 per cent of the entire playing cohort. 22 Indigenous players during this year's AFLW season, or 5 per cent of the competition.
  • There's only been one Indigenous umpire in VFL or AFL football: Glenn James. James umpired the 1982 and 1984 VFL Grand Finals.
  • 2 per cent - the number of Indigenous coaches in the AFL system badly trails the participation rate of players. There have only been two Indigenous senior coaches in the VFL/AFL, and none since 1984 — when Barry Cable left North Melbourne.

• The AusPlay Survey (AusPlay) is a large scale national population tracking survey funded and led by Sport Australia that tracks Australian sport and physical activity participation behaviours to help inform investment, policy and sport delivery. New data is released twice a year in April and October.
• Footprints in Time - The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC), Australian Government Department of Social Services, (accessed 9 March 2022). The study includes two groups of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children who were aged 6 to 18 months (B cohort) and 3½ - 5 years (K cohort) when the study began in 2008. In wave 1, over 1,680 interviews were conducted with the children’s parents or primary carers (usually the mothers) and over 265 interviews were conducted with fathers or other significant carers. The study covers a wide variety of topics about children’s health, learning and development, their family and community, for example: Children’s physical and mental health and social and cognitive development which may include relevant data on children's physical activity.
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, Australian Bureau of Statistics, (11 December 2019). Statistics about long-term health conditions, disability, lifestyle factors, physical harm, and use of health services.
• Football's Indigenous Engagement: State of Play, Professional Footballers Australia on behalf of John Moriarty Football, (November 2018). Engagement between the major sporting codes and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians provides a significant opportunity for mutual benefit. This report benchmarks the progress being made by sporting codes to highlight football’s missed opportunity and to call for a reignition of football’s Indigenous engagement. Engagement between the major sports and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians provides a significant opportunity for mutual benefit. For sports, there is a pool of talent to be tapped, and a community of potential supporters to be embraced. For Indigenous communities, sport has the power to enhance social, education and health outcomes, and provide a pathway to rewarding professional careers, in turn developing inspirational role models.
• AusPlay Focus: Older Australians’ Participation in Sport and Physical Activity, Australian Sports Commission, (October 2018). Participation of Older Australians is significantly lower in remote or very remote areas, as well as among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.
• Physical activity across the life stages, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, (2018). This report presents information on the physical activity and sedentary participation rate of Australians across the life stages, reported against Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. According to the available data, Indigenous children aged 5–12 and young people aged 13–17 were more likely to meet the physical activity guideline, compared with non-Indigenous children: 60% of Indigenous 5–12 year-olds, compared with 45% of their non-Indigenous counterparts. 33% of Indigenous 13–17 year-olds, compared with 19% of their non-Indigenous counterparts. Among young children aged 2–5, similar proportions of Indigenous (64%) and non-Indigenous (69%) children met the physical activity guideline. Indigenous adults aged 18–64 and Indigenous women aged 65 and over were less likely to meet the physical activity guideline, compared with their non-Indigenous counterparts: 38% of Indigenous adults aged 18–64, compared with 46% of non-Indigenous adults of this age; non-Indigenous women aged 65 and over (38%) were twice as likely to meet the physical activity guideline, compared with Indigenous women of this age (16%). However, the proportions were similar for: Indigenous men (41%) and non-Indigenous men (44%) aged 65 and over who met the physical activity guideline. Indigenous adults (9.4%) and non-Indigenous adults (10%) aged 65 and over who met the
  strength-based activity guideline.
• AusPlay Focus: Children’s Participation in Organised Physical Activity Outside of School Hours, Australian Sports Commission, (November 2017). Children with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or LOTE parents and children living in regional areas have below average participation rates, but above-average participation frequencies.
• Indigenous Australians' Participation in Sports and Physical Activities: Part 1, Literature and AusPlay data review, ORC International for the Australian Sports Commission, (March 2017). The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) engaged ORC International to conduct a research project on Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s participation in sport and physical activities. The study was designed to explore Indigenous Australians’ sports participation behaviour and provide the ASC with a deeper understanding of the drivers of that behaviour. Analyses were performed on data produced by the AusPlay survey and recent literature. The AusPlay data analyses found that, in keeping with previous research findings, Indigenous people were less likely than non-Indigenous people to have participated in sports or physical activities in the last twelve months. However, the AusPlay data suggested that Indigenous adults who did participate tended to participate more frequently and for longer session times.
• AusPlay Focus: Women and Girls Participation, Australian Sports Commission, (November 2017). Participation rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are the lowest in terms of participation and frequency.

• Footprints in Time: Physical Activity Levels and Sociodemographic and Movement-Related Associations Within the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children,Rona Macniven, Rachel Wilson, Tim Olds, et.al., Journal of Physical Activity and Health, (10 February 2021). Emerging evidence suggests that Indigenous children have higher physical activity levels that non-Indigenous children, yet little is known of the factors that influence these levels or how they may be optimized. This study examines correlates of achieving ≥1 hour/day of physical activity among Indigenous Australian children aged 8–13 years. Data were collected through parental self-report in the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. Proportions of children achieving ≥1 hour/day physical activity, approximating the Australian aerobic physical activity recommendations, were calculated, and associations with sociodemographic, family composition, and movement-related factors were quantified using multiple logistic regression analyses. Half of the 1233 children achieved ≥1 hour/day physical activity. Children from families with low parental education and unemployment, remote residence, low socioeconomic status, and without a father in the household were more likely to meet the recommendations. Achieving ≥1 hour/day of physical activity was also associated with low levels of playing electronic games and total screen time. Sociodemographic correlates of physical activity among Indigenous Australian children run counter to those typically found in non-Indigenous Australian children. Further longitudinal examination of the predictors of these associations would provide a greater understanding of Indigenous physical activity determinants, to inform strategies to facilitate participation.
• Long term trends in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth sport participation 2005–2019, Wilson, R., Evans, J., Macniven, R., Australia and New Zealand Association of Leisure Studies, (28 December 2020). Physical activity is essential for good health and sport participation is an important contributor to physical activity. Sport can achieve many health and broader social benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Indigenous Australians). Children’s physical activity typically declines during teenage years. This study examined 14-year sport participation trends among youth aged 15–19 years based on the annual Mission Australia Youth Survey (MAYS) between 2005 and 2019. Indigenous youth sport participant levels were lower than non-Indigenous levels. The highest sports participation level was 80.1% (non-Indigenous males, 2016); the lowest was 56.8% (Indigenous females, 2018). Lower sport participation was reported by females compared to males in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups in each survey year with the lowest levels found among Indigenous females. These findings challenge current discourses of high Indigenous sport participation. A comprehensive understanding of the factors related to sports participation is required to inform future strategies and programmes to increase participation and contribute to closing health and broader equity gaps.
• Understanding physical activity patterns among rural Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal young people, Rona Macniven, Justin Richards, Nicole Turner, et.al., Rural and Remote Health, Volume 19(3), (2019). Physical activity across the lifespan is essential to good health but participation rates are generally lower in rural areas and among Aboriginal Australians. Declines in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) commence before adolescence but descriptive epidemiology of patterns of physical activity among Aboriginal children is limited. MVPA variation by season, setting and type at two time points among rural Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australian children was examined. While overall physical activity declines occurred between 2007–2008 (T1) and 2011–2012 (T2) in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal rural-dwelling children, declines in particular components of physical activity were greater among Aboriginal compared to non-Aboriginal children. A multi-strategy, holistic approach to increase physical activity during the critical time of adolescence is necessary.
• Physical activity among indigenous Australian children and youth in remote and non-remote areas, John Robert Evans, Rachel Wilson, Clare Coleman, et.al., Social Science and Medicine, Volume 206, pp.93-99, (June 2018). Sport and physical activity (PA) hold particular significance in Australian Indigenous communities, and have the potential to address many of the health and education challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Optimal levels of PA are an important foundation in efforts to build healthy communities and reduce social disadvantage experienced to date. Yet little evidence relating to the current levels of PA within these communities, or the relationship between PA and outcomes, has been available.

• Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles, (accessed 9 March 2022). A gathering of Indigenous Surfers from across the country on the traditional land of the Wada Wurrung people at Bells Beach on Victoria’s Surf Coast. The event, which began in 2012, includes divisions of Open Men, Open Women, Junior Boys, Junior Girls, Longboard and Masters Men.
• Imparja Cup, Northern Territory Cricket, (accessed 9 March 2022). Alice Springs showcases Indigenous Cricket and is home of the Imparja Cup Cricket Carnival held in February each year
• Indigenous Nationals, Unisport Australia, (accessed 9 March 2022). In 2022, the competition will be held from 26-30 June, and will be contested in a mixed competition across four sports: touch football, basketball, netball, and volleyball.
• Murri Rugby League Carnival, Wikipedia, (accessed 9 March 2022). The Qld Murri Carnival (QAIHC Arthur Beetson Foundation Murri Rugby League Carnival) is an annual four-day rugby league carnival for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Queensland rugby league teams. The carnival has certain basic rules, players cannot compete unless they undergo a health check and adults must be enrolled to vote and/or ensure their enrolment details are correct. Players under 15 years must have a 90% school attendance record from 1 July to the date of the carnival.
• NAIDOC Netball Carnival is held annually at the Gold Netball Centre and Matthews Netball Centre (WA). The NAIDOC Netball Carnival is both an opportunity to introduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers to competitive netball, as well as a platform to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The age divisions include Suncorp NetSetGO, 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, four open divisions, and a Mixed and Masters division.
• Nicky Winmar Carnival is an annual round robin tournament targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male youth aged 13 to 15. The tournament features teams representing both metropolitan and regional WA. The carnival provides members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with a direct opportunity to: Participate in a structured WA football marquee event; Achieve coaching and umpiring accreditation; Re-engage with educational and sport participation programs; Connect with AFL/WAFL mentors and role models; Potentially be identified for WAFL development pathways.
• NSW Koori Rugby League Knockout Carnival, Wikipedia, (accessed 9 March 2022). One of the biggest Indigenous gatherings in Australia. The very first knockout was held at Camdenville Oval, St Peters, on the October long weekend of 1971 with eight participating teams. The winning teams gains the right to hold the next knockout. Organisers created the knockout as an alternative more accessible to Indigenous players than the state rugby league.
• Koori Netball Tournament, NSW Office of Sport, (accessed 9 March 2022). Delivered in partnership with Charlestown Netball Courts. The event attracts Aboriginal communities from across NSW with an aim of increasing participation of Aboriginal people (especially women) in sport and recreation in a fun competitive environment. Teams can be from ages under-12 through to open women's, mixed and/or men’s teams. It is an inclusive event and teams are encouraged to have up to three non-Indigenous players on their team.

• Sisterhood in their stride, Teisha Cloos, National Indigenous Times, (22 October 2021). Yok Djakoorliny is a women’s running group that aims to support both Indigenous and non-Indigenous women through fitness. Yok Djakoorliny is a Noongar name for the group, with Yok meaning woman and Djakoorliny meaning running. Ms Curtis also highlighted the importance of having an Aboriginal women leadership because “for a long time, we were the minority” and now we get that control and power to have our own group.
• Sport and physical activity play important roles for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, but there are barriers to participation, Rona Macniven, Bridget Allen, John Evans, The Conversation, (1 October 2021). Many factors influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in physical activity and sport. These can be classified as facilitators, that enable participation, or barriers, that can make participation more challenging. Our new review found 62 different facilitators and 63 different barriers to physical activity and sport. Multiple, complex facilitators and barriers were experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults across Australia.
• Sport and sistahood: Garnduwa Aboriginal Corporation empowers women through sport, Teisha Cloos, National Indigenous Times, (2 September 2021). Garnduwa Amboorny Wirnan Aboriginal Corporation hosted the Making Her Mark Tjurabalan Women’s Football Carnival in Balgo, Western Australia, which empowers women and girls through football and health education. The event brought women and girls from Balgo, Mulan and Billiluna together to engage in community workshops, football drills, and skills and capacity building workshops. Garnduwa says the aim of the program is to create a safe space to yarn and listen to Aboriginal women in community and understand perceived and real barriers to participating in sport.
• Indigenous Health Education Program, Paralympics Australia, (2018-2020). A grant was provided through the federal Department of Health’s Indigenous Australia’s Health Programme enabled Paralympic Australia to undertake a range of activities from 2018-20 developing targeted evidence based chronic disease prevention, health promotion and physical activity education resources and community events to address the increasing incidence of chronic disease in Indigenous people with disability in a culturally acceptable manner. Following are some of the key messages and learnings relating to barriers and enablers for physical activity participation from the project’s community engagement events, consultations and interviews.
  • Research Paper: Benefits and barriers of participation in physical activity for First Nations People with Disability, Dr Paul Oliver, Paralympics Australia, (accessed 11 March 2022). Sport can be a very powerful way of engaging First Nations people and providing positive outcomes in the areas of health and welfare.
• Sport can be an important part of Aboriginal culture for women – but many barriers remain, Michelle O'Shea, Hazel Maxwell, Megan Stronach, Sonya Pearce, The Conversation, (23 January 2020). Regular exercise is important for Indigenous women’s health, as it protects against obesity and chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. These conditions are more prevalent among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than non-Indigenous people. Women’s physical activity benefits whole communities. Active mothers and aunts are important role models for their children and peers; while women’s involvement as sport leaders, coaches and participants can empower Indigenous girls to participate in sports at community to elite levels. In 2012, only 23.3% of Indigenous women played sport, walked for fitness or leisure, or were physically active in the previous 12 months. Key barriers identified included: Racism or vilification based on skin colour; for women living in remote Indigenous communities, transport costs and logistics significantly impacted their participation in organised sport. The costs of registering for a sporting team, for example, and having to purchase a team uniform meant they were unable to compete. Ongoing effects of colonisation have resulted in some women rejecting calls for them to become involved in “westernised” sport, instead preferring activities that are more culturally acceptable, such as music and crafts. Our research also found that some Aboriginal people viewed time spent participating in sport and physical activity as “selfish” because it took them away from their family care commitments and responsibilities. Facilitators included: fun runs, carnivals and community competitions. Indigenous-women-only classes and activities offered by local Indigenous organisations. Programs and interventions foisted on Indigenous women are unlikely to benefit them as individuals or their communities. Instead, healthy and active sisters and aunties are powerful role models.
• Women in remote Aboriginal region striving to be AFL stars as footy brings community together. Emily Jane Smith, ABC Kimberley, (14 September 2017). The West Kimberley Football League is a 25-year-old institution. Until this year, women never had their own competition. Traditionally, their place has been on the sidelines, supporting their brothers, fathers, and partners. But that is all changing. Since the rise of the Australian Football League Women's, young players are dreaming of becoming national football stars.

• Indigenous Study Part 2 - Qualitative research, ORC International prepared for the Australian Sports Commission, (March 2018). The research affirms the central role of sport and physical activity within Indigenous communities and the importance of sporting clubs and organisations to facilitate these opportunities. Increasing participation and overcoming barriers to sports and physical activities, for both adults and children was a priority amongst Indigenous people. When discussing the actual benefits, the most common themes which emerged could be classed under the categories of physical health benefits (e.g diabetes prevention, cardiovascular health), mental well-being (alleviates stress, improves mood), social benefits (competition, social skills, family togetherness) and pride (increasing confidence). Barriers to participating in sport and physical activity varied by age and location, however, recurring themes across locations included costs associated with activities, lack of time, lack of motivation (feeling in a rut), injuries/ health issues, and lack of cultural inclusiveness. Cost was one of the most frequently reported barriers to participation–both for adults and their children. Across communities a lack of transportation was repeatedly highlighted as a barrier to participation. Recommendations include ensuring that programs are culturally inclusive and respectful of Indigenous people, reducing costs, and increasing opportunities which are available within remote and some regional areas.
• After the Siren: The community benefits of Indigenous participation in Australia Rules Football. Michael Dockery and Sean Gorman, Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, (September 2017). This report is based on analyses of data from the 2014-2015 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS), supplemented by interviews with a number of stakeholders in West Australian communities. The evidence provides a very strong social-benefit case for greater investment in structured AFL competitions in remote communities. For children some of the barriers identified for participating in Australian football, and sport more generally, included: sight problems (children with sight issues were less likely to play Australian football); being female; being from sole-parent or less advantaged families. Facilitators identified were: Identification with Indigenous culture. Children of families who own their home are around 20 percentage points more likely to have participated in sport. Children living in more advantaged neighbourhoods are more likely to participate in organised sport–however, these effects are less apparent in the case of participation in AFL. For adults, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions are less likely to have participated in organised sport. Indigenous people who smoke daily are 7 percentage points less likely to participate in sport. As was observed with children, cultural identification appears to be complementary to participation in general sports. However, people who speak an Indigenous language at home are around 11 percentage points less likely to participate in organised sport.
• Indigenous Australians’ participation in sports and physical activities: Part 1, Literature and AusPlay data review, ORC International prepared for the Australian Sports Commission, (May 2017). This report includes a summary of the key drivers and barriers of Indigenous participation explored in the AusPlay data, and summarised from the recent literature. Enjoyment was frequently cited in the literature as a prime motivation, with Indigenous people preferring to participate (or volunteer) in sport or physical activity for fun, not as a chore, which “exercise” was often perceived as. Associated with enjoyment were feelings of comfort, safety and belonging. It was also found that a perceived need to participate, for example, for health, fitness or weight loss reasons could be a strong motivator. For many Indigenous participants, the sports and physical activities they found most appealing were group activities that were culturally appropriate (for instance, having gender-specific groups), reinforcing family and community connectedness and collectiveness. When individuals had practical or emotional support or encouragement from family, friends, and even staff and other participants, they were more likely to be motivated to participate, and to keep participating. Having positive role models, in the form of older, more experienced participants from within the community, and professional Indigenous sportsmen and women, was also seen as motivating for young people and less experienced participants. A number of authors wrote that physical activity was perceived by some Indigenous Australians as an integral part of their day, inseparable from their lives with their families and communities, and not something to be chosen as an independent activity, in and of itself. The main barriers to participation referred to in the literature fell broadly under the following categories: Other commitments, especially to family or community; Personal illness or injury; Financial; Access; Safety or comfort; Different cultural construct of sport and physical activity; and, Racism. Undertaking activities that were perceived as being for an individual’s own benefit, rather than for the benefit of the family or community made some Indigenous people feel shame, and there were often negative community perceptions of exercising alone. Costs, either to enrol or enter venues, to travel (in remote areas), or for expensive equipment, could act as inhibitors to participation. Access was a barrier for Indigenous people in a variety of areas, especially in remote regions where facilities and choices of activities were limited, and distances made it more difficult to travel to participate in physical activity programs, or practice and compete in sports. Some young people from remote areas of northern Australia identified that climate-related factors, such as being too hot and sweaty, also restricted their ability to be physically active. Feelings about what was culturally appropriate, or different cultural preferences for “the way physical activities are constructed and organised, the spaces they take place in and the times they occur,” meant that some Indigenous people did not want to do certain sports and physical activities. Racism can act as a barrier both in preventing Indigenous people taking up a sport or physical activity, or continuing to participate.
• Recommendations for the development and transition of Indigenous athletes into high performance programs, Australian Sports Commission, (2011). The review presented in this document was conducted to detail and critique the Indigenous sport programs supported and delivered through the NTID program. Aims included to evaluate the effectiveness of these Indigenous-centric programs in identifying and supporting the development of Indigenous athletes, as well as to provide recommendations to improve high performance Indigenous programs. In addition, a comparative analysis was conducted with the AFL to identify what it does in relation to the identification and development of Indigenous athletes. The sport of AFL was chosen due to its extensive work in this area. It is envisaged that the insights gained from this comprehensive review will inform practical and meaningful recommendations for supporting current and future Indigenous athletes. This information is of critical importance for NSOs and other key stakeholders such as the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
• What's the Score? A survey of cultural diversity and racism in Australian sport, Paul Oliver, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, (2007). This section of What’s the Score? provides a summary of reports, census’, surveys and publications related to the level of participation in sport by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds (CALD). There are a significant number of barriers faced by Indigenous and CALD people with regards to participation in sport. Some significant barriers to participation identified by the report include:
  • Lack of access to sport and facilities due to remote geographical location.
  • Exclusiveness of the current structure of some sports.
  • Lack of familiarity with sporting clubs and environments and available services/activities.
  • Lack of understanding of the rules of some sports or lack of confidence in physical ability to play certain sports.
  • Potential threat, or experience, of discrimination or racism.
  • Feelings of isolation.
  • Language barriers.
  • Lack of financial resources for activities and equipment.
  • Lack of role models working in and playing the game.
  • Absence of effective public transport.
  • Family or cultural communities may take priority over sport.
  • Barriers for young women within their own communities and from sporting organisations.

• ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’: Indigenous Australian sportswomen as powerful role models, Megan Stronach, Michelle O’Shea, Hazel Maxwell, Sport in Society, (23 June 2022). It is generally agreed that sporting role models (SRM) can inspire behaviour and attitude. This paper explores the influence of three contemporary Indigenous Australian sportswomen, and in doing so, their role as SRMs for women and girls. By applying and extending Marianne Meier’s (2015) theoretical lens, the actions, voices and influences of the women are considered. Meier recognizes and describes nine functions of SRMs. The voices of the Indigenous female athletes are portrayed through a media analysis including the athletes’ own social media commentary alongside mainstream media over a four-year period from 2017 to 2021. Examining the Indigenous sportswomen’s SRM status enables a layered and deeper understanding of the unique platform provided by sport, which can serve to strengthen their voices and influence. Indigenous Australian sportswomen are constructed in complex and sometimes contradictory ways, at times portrayed as advocates, deviants, sporting ambassadors, and political activists.
• The Barriers and Facilitators of Sport and Physical Activity Participation for Aboriginal Children in Rural New South Wales, Australia: A Photovoice Project, Sarah Liew, Josephine Gwynn, Janice Smith, et.al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 19(4), 1986, (February 2022). Low physical activity participation is a behavioral risk factor for chronic disease, which is present at much higher rates in Australian Aboriginal communities compared to non-Aboriginal communities. Through photos and ‘yarning’, the Australian Aboriginal cultural form of conversation, this photovoice study explored the barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity participation perceived by Aboriginal children (n = 17) in New South Wales rural communities in Australia for the first time. Seven key themes emerged from thematic analysis. Four themes described physical activity barriers, which largely exist at the community and interpersonal level of children’s social and cultural context: the physical environment, high costs related to sport and transport, and reliance on parents, along with individual risk factors such as unhealthy eating. Three themes identified physical activity facilitators that exist at the personal, interpersonal, and institutional level: enjoyment from being active, supportive social and family connections, and schools. Findings highlight the need for ongoing maintenance of community facilities to enable physical activity opportunities and ensure safety. Children held strong aspirations for improved and accessible facilities. The strength of friendships and the family unit should be utilized in co-designed and Aboriginal community-led campaigns.
• Facilitators and Barriers to Physical Activity and Sport Participation Experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adults: A Mixed Method Review, Bridget Allen, Karla Canuto, John Robert Evans, et.al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 18(18), 9893, (September 2021). A systematic search was undertaken of 11 databases and 14 grey literature websites during 2020. The included studies reported physical activity facilitators and barriers experienced by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander participants aged 18+ years, living in the community. Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-two facilitators were identified: 23 individual, 18 interpersonal, 8 community/environmental and 13 policy/program facilitators. Additionally, 63 barriers were identified: 21 individual, 17 interpersonal, 15 community/environmental and 10 policy/program barriers. Prominent facilitators included support from family, friends, and program staff, and opportunities to connect with community or culture. Prominent barriers included a lack of transport, financial constraints, lack of time, and competing work, family or cultural commitments. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults experience multiple facilitators and barriers to physical activity participation. Strategies to increase participation should seek to enhance facilitators and address barriers, collaboratively with communities, with consideration to the local context.
• Barriers and Enablers to Older Indigenous People Engaging in Physical Activity—A Qualitative Systematic Review, Margaret J.R. Gidgup, Marion Kickett, Tammy Weselman, et.al., Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, (18 August 2021). The objective of this qualitative systematic review was to synthesize all evidence to understand the barriers and enablers to older Indigenous peoples (aged 40 years and older) engaging in physical activity. Four databases were searched. Study quality was assessed from an Indigenous perspective, using an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander quality appraisal tool. Data were analyzed using thematic synthesis. There were 4,246 articles screened with 23 articles and one report included from over 30 Indigenous communities across four countries. Cultural Safety and Security was a key enabler, including developing physical activity programs which are led by Indigenous communities and preference Indigenous values. Colonization was a key barrier that created mistrust and uncertainty. Social Determinants of Health, including cost, were supported by successful programs, but if not addressed, were demotivators of engagement. Older Indigenous peoples identified barriers and enablers that can direct the development of sustainable, culturally appropriate physical activity programs.
• Footprints in Time: Physical Activity Levels and Sociodemographic and Movement-Related Associations Within the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children, Rona Macniven, Rachel Wilson, Tim Olds, et.al., Journal of Physical Activity and Health, (10 February 2021). Emerging evidence suggests that Indigenous children have higher physical activity levels that non-Indigenous children, yet little is known of the factors that influence these levels or how they may be optimized. This study examines correlates of achieving ≥1 hour/day of physical activity among Indigenous Australian children aged 8–13 years. Data were collected through parental self-report in the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. Proportions of children achieving ≥1 hour/day physical activity, approximating the Australian aerobic physical activity recommendations, were calculated, and associations with sociodemographic, family composition, and movement-related factors were quantified using multiple logistic regression analyses. Half of the 1233 children achieved ≥1 hour/day physical activity. Children from families with low parental education and unemployment, remote residence, low socioeconomic status, and without a father in the household were more likely to meet the recommendations. Achieving ≥1 hour/day of physical activity was also associated with low levels of playing electronic games and total screen time. Sociodemographic correlates of physical activity among Indigenous Australian children run counter to those typically found in non-Indigenous Australian children. Further longitudinal examination of the predictors of these associations would provide a greater understanding of Indigenous physical activity determinants, to inform strategies to facilitate participation.
• Sport for development and Indigenous Australians: a critical research agenda for policy and practice, Ryan Lucas, Ruth Jeanes, Zane Diamond, Leisure Studies, Volume 40(2), pp.276-285, (2021). Through a narrative literature review, this article seeks to broaden the discussion surrounding the use of sport as a development tool throughout Australia’s Indigenous communities, by considering perspectives within SFD literature that have received limited attention in existing policy and research approaches. The findings of this literature review expose a dominant trend towards positivistic research that reinforces existing approaches, and a lack of criticality surrounding the use of sport as a development tool. This article, therefore, seeks to pose a new research agenda by drawing on international perspectives with the potential to broaden this discussion surrounding the use of sport as a development tool for Indigenous Australians. Issues of conceptual clarity, the use of sport as a mechanism for social control, neoliberalism and neo-colonialism are largely absent from existing literature exploring SFD for Indigenous Australians. Calls to de-colonise SFD are also largely absent from the literature reviewed, and therefore calls for the decolonisation of SFD globally are also considered. Finally, this research note calls for researchers working in this space to engage critically with the use of sport in Indigenous communities, to shift the focus away from the production of ‘evidence’ to a broader discussion around the use of sport, including how research must contribute to decolonising both policy and practice through privileging Indigenous perspectives and voices.
• Barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents: a mixed studies systematic review, Tamara May, Amanda Dudley, James Charles, et.al., BMC Public Health, Volume 20, Article no.:601, (2020). This study was focused on a comprehensive identification of barriers and facilitators at each level of the social-ecological model. From this process, gender and geographic location emerged as areas in which individual engagement with PA and sport was highly influenced by environmental, community, and policy factors. At the individual level, the most commonly reported barriers related to shyness/ embarrassment, self-perception of not being good enough as well as lack of motivation and time. Barriers to participation in PA identified in relation to girls and young women show how the complex interactions of interpersonal and cultural factors, associated with gender can be strongly determining the personal behaviour of individuals. At the interpersonal level having family and friends who were active was one of the most commonly reported facilitators; and if they were inactive this was a barrier. This highlights the importance of participation in sport/PA for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, in that they act as role models for children. For some young people their perceived lack of ability or the experience of losing in a sporting competition were deterrents to participation in and enjoyment of PA and sport. For the five studies conducted in regional and remote areas, barriers to participation in PA were particularly evident at community and environmental levels. These included lack of access to sporting facilities, organised PA and sport programs and transport to and from venues. Living in a ‘hot and sweaty’ climate and restrictions to travel in the wet season were also deterrents to participation in PA for young people from some communities in the Torres Strait Islands and the Cape York Peninsula. However, in the regional city of Geraldton (WA) the opportunity to engage in PA in natural environments such as parks, beaches and bush tracks was an important facilitator. Taken together, programs which offer sporting participation options for all family members (children, adolescents and adults), which appeal to males and females, are accessible through existing transport and related infrastructure, and are committed to communities through formal partnerships are needed. There are unique barriers in remote areas including, lack of programs in the local language, the transient nature of teachers, climate factors and a lack of (ongoing) sporting programs which will need targeted approaches to overcome. Overall, the health benefits of sport as well as its ability to provide future opportunities for young people are also a key facilitator. Public health campaigns broadening these messages to cover both physical and mental health could increase participation in sport and thus derive improved health outcomes.
• 'Developing sport for indigenous women and girls', Megan Stronach and Hazel Maxwell, Chapter 9 in Developing Sport for Women and Girls, Routledge, (2020). This chapter explores the distinctive experience that Indigenous women in Australia and Canada have with sport. It presents an exploration of the barriers and obstacles facing Indigenous women and girls when they wish to participate in sport, as well as a discussion of motivations of these women for participation in sporting activities. Some strategies currently employed by government, not for profit, health and sporting organisations to overcome negative or exclusionary issues that Indigenous women may otherwise experience are detailed. The overarching position adopted by the authors throughout is that Indigenous women deserve support to be able to change their current situations as they see fit, thereby taking control of their own health and wellbeing through sport and physical activity.
• Physical activity and sport participation characteristics of Indigenous children registered in the Active Kids voucher program in New South Wales, Rona Macniven, Bridget Foley. Katherine Owen, et.al., Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Volume 23(12), pp.1178-1184. (2020). Of the 671,375 children aged 5–18 years, 36,129 (5.4%) were Indigenous. More Indigenous children than non-Indigenous children met the physical activity guidelines before registering in the Active Kids program. Indigenous children had greater odds of meeting physical activity guidelines across all socio-economic quartiles. Among non-Indigenous children, odds reduced with social disadvantage. Indigenous children (38%) were less likely to participate in organised physical activity and sport sessions at least twice a week compared to non-Indigenous children (43%). Indigenous children living in major cities had higher sport participation levels compared with those living in outer regional and remote areas. The Active Kids voucher program achieved population representative reach among Indigenous children, whose physical activity levels were higher than non-Indigenous children across all socioeconomic quartiles. The program has potential to supplement Indigenous children’s physical activity levels using organised sessions and reduce sport drop-out among older children.
• Indigenous Australian women promoting health through sport, Megan Stronach, Hazel Maxwell, Sonya Pearce, Sport Management Review, Volume 22(1), pp.5-20, (2019). Drawing from an agency/empowerment theoretical framework, the authors posit that, given support and opportunities, Indigenous women can become empowered to improve their mental and physical health through participation in sport. Sport managers can facilitate Indigenous women's agency in the effects of colonisation, which continues to be the basis of health issues for this cohort. Listening to Indigenous women and facilitating opportunities for them to take control of their own participation can help facilitate this process. Indigenous-women's only opportunities, partnerships with health agencies and sports organisations, culturally safe spaces and Indigenous women acting as role models are some factors that may augment Indigenous women's agency, and thus empowerment. Government, sports, community organisations and health agencies which provide these conditions in their program design can help to overcome entrenched social, historical and health inequalities that Indigenous women may experience.
• ‘It’s more than just performing well in your sport. It’s also about being healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually’: Indigenous women athletes’ meanings and experiences of flourishing in sport, Leah Ferguson, Gillian Epp, Kellie Wuttunee, et.al., Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, Volume 11(1), pp.1-19, (2019). The purpose of this study was to explore the phenomenon of flourishing in sport for Indigenous women athletes. Two Indigenous community sport advisors were instrumentally involved throughout the study. Sixteen Indigenous women athletes (M age = 21.5 years; 10 First Nations, 6 Métis) from urban, rural and remote communities in a mid-Western Canadian province participated in sharing circles and symbol-based reflection to share their meanings and experiences of flourishing in sport. A four-step phenomenological structural analysis was used to analyse transcribed data. Four essential components and one facilitating component emerged as the general structure of flourishing in sport: (1) Multidimensional Community Support (having support from and for one’s family, home and sporting community); (2) Personal Accomplishments (setting and attaining individually tailored goals); (3) Persistent Growth (constant self-betterment); (4) Wholistic Athletic Excellence (excelling as a whole; physically, intellectually, spiritually and emotionally); and, (5) Humble Recognition (being acknowledged; a facilitating component). Nurturing Indigenous women athletes’ flourishing in sport requires athlete-specific attention and collaborative community engagement.
• Indigenous Australians Perceptions’ of Physical Activity: A Qualitative Systematic Review, Emma Dahlberg, Sandra Hamilton, Fatuma Hamid, et.al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 15(7), (2018). Four major themes emerged: family and community, culture and environment, sport, and gender differences. Men highlighted sport and going on walkabout as preferred types of physical activity while women preferred family-focused activities and activities and support for women's sport. Several studies found exercise was supported when in the context of family and community but was considered shameful when done only for oneself. Sport was regarded as playing an influential role in bringing communities together. Group, community, or family activities were desired forms of physical activity with the environment they are conducted in of high importance.
• Physical activity among indigenous Australian children and youth in remote and non-remote areas, John Robert Evans, Rachel Wilson, Clare Coleman, Wing Young Nicola Man, Tim Olds, Social Science and Medicine, Volume 206, pp.93-99, (2018). This study examined levels of PA in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey 2012-13. It also examined the relationship between PA and participation in education and self-reported health among 15–17 year-olds. Overall, participation rates appear to be high, with 64–84% of youth reporting at least 60 min of PA on the previous day. A gender gap was evident, with lower levels of activity among girls. PA decreased with age, particularly at or around the age of puberty. There were no significant associations between PA and either self-reported health or engagement in study. There was a relationship between high PA and low area-level socio-economic status in remote areas, but no association in non-remote areas.
• The “ripple effect”: Health and community perceptions of the Indigenous Marathon Program on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, Australia, Rona Macniven, Suzanne Plater, Karla Canuto, et.al., Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Volume 29(3), pp.304-313, (2018). We examined perceptions of the Indigenous Marathon Program (IMP) in a remote Torres Strait island community. Barriers to running in the community were personal (cultural attitudes; shyness) and environmental (infrastructure; weather; dogs). Enablers reflected potential strategies to overcome described barriers. Indigenous questionnaire respondents were more likely to report being inspired to run by IMP runners than non‐Indigenous respondents. Positive “ripple” effects of the IMP on running and broader health were described to have occurred through local role modelling of healthy lifestyles by IMP runners that reduced levels of “shame” and embarrassment, a common barrier to physical activity among Indigenous Australians. A high initial level of community readiness for behaviour change was also reported.
• Correlates of physical activity among Australian Indigenous and non‐Indigenous adolescents, Rona Macniven, Shane Hearn, Anne Grunseit, et.al., Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Volume 41(2), pp.187-192, (2017). Physical activity levels in Indigenous and non‐Indigenous adolescents in the out‐of‐school setting were similarly low in this large disadvantaged adolescent sample. Indigenous girls, those from fragmented families, or those feeling disengaged from their community had particularly low activity levels. Consistent with previous research, male gender and sports team membership were associated with higher levels of physical activity in this sample, as well as maternal employment and community involvement which are less well established correlates. However, it is evident that the relative importance of some factors and their association with physical activity may differ between Indigenous (gender, maternal employment, confidence) and non‐Indigenous (sports team membership, community involvement) adolescents. Importantly, our data found a stronger gender difference in the Indigenous sample compared to the non‐Indigenous participants. This may be due in part to cultural factors relating to gender in Indigenous communities, which may require culture‐specific solutions such as initiatives targeted to Indigenous girls. We found sports team membership was associated with higher levels of physical activity in both the total and the stratified non‐Indigenous sample, but not among the Indigenous respondents. The lack of association found in this Indigenous sample may reflect cultural preferences towards unstructured physical activity such as Caring for Country programs. Higher levels of feeling confident were found to be associated with higher physical activity among the Indigenous participants only.
• The facilitators and barriers of physical activity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander regional sport participants, Claudie Péloquin, Thomas Doering, Stephanie Alley, et.al., Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Volume 41(5), pp.474-479, (2017). Participants were 12 Indigenous Australian adults, and 12 non‐Indigenous Australian adults matched on age, sex, and basketball division. Most participants reported engaging in regular exercise; however, the Indigenous group reported more barriers to PA. These factors included cost, time management and environmental constraints. The physical facilitators identified by our Indigenous sample included social support, intrinsic motivation and role modelling. This study is the first to compare the perspective of Indigenous Australians to a matched group of non‐Indigenous Australians and provides useful knowledge to develop public health programs based on culturally sensitive data.
• Indigenous Australian women and sport: findings and recommendations from a parliamentary inquiry, Hazel Maxwell, Megan Stronach, Daryl Adair, et.al., Sport in Society, Volume 20(11), pp.1500-1529, (2017). Researchers have consistently pointed to positive links between sport, physical activity, health and wellbeing amongst marginalized population groups. This paper concentrates on a group about which little is presently known in terms of these links – Indigenous women in Australia. The catalyst for this focus is twofold: demographic data that, while sparse, suggests that this group has very low levels of participation in sport and associated physical activity; and second, a recent parliamentary inquiry into Indigenous sport in which the participation of women featured in several submissions. Both data sets confirm that Indigenous women are significantly underrepresented in the Australian sporting landscape. There is no systematic knowledge about why this is so. The present study contributes to that small body of literature by considering (a) evidence about participation rates of Indigenous women in sport; and (b) the aspirations of sport organizations to attract Indigenous women into their programs.
• Perceived barriers and enablers to participation in a community-tailored physical activity program with Indigenous Australians in a regional and rural setting: a qualitative study, Ashleigh Sushames, Terry Engelberg, and Klaus Gebel, International Journal for Equity in Health, Volume 16, (2017). The aim of this qualitative study was to explore perceived barriers and enablers to attending an eight-week physical activity program in a rural and regional setting which aimed to improve health outcomes, but had a low attendance rate. Overall, there were positive attitudes to, and high levels of motivation towards, the physical activity program. Enablers to participation were the inclusion of family members, no financial cost and a good relationship with the principal investigator, which was strengthened by the community-based participatory approach to the program design. Barriers to program attendance were mostly beyond the control of the individuals, such as ‘sorry business’, needing to travel away from the community and lack of community infrastructure.
• An evaluation of an Australian Aboriginal controlled-community organization’s remote sports-based programme: a qualitative investigation, Louisa R. Peraltaa and Renata L. Cinelli, Sport in Society, Volume 19(7), pp.973-989, (2016). Current research suggests that Aboriginal-controlled organizations should play a larger role in developing and implementing sports-based programs for Aboriginal young people. In this paper, we explore the influence of an Aboriginal-controlled organization and its government-funded remote sports-based program on Aboriginal participants and non-Aboriginal stakeholders. The Aboriginal community members and youth would appreciate the Aboriginal-controlled organization working more closely with them to improve the influence of the programme by paying respect to the local Aboriginal culture, social systems and knowledge.
• Sistas’ and Aunties: sport, physical activity, and Indigenous Australian women. Stronach, Megan, Maxwell, Hazel, Taylor, Tracy, Annals of Leisure Research, Volume 19(1), pp.7-26, (2016). Indigenous women have alarmingly low rates of participation in organized sport and physical activity (PA) in contemporary Australian society. To gain a better contextual and cultural understanding of the issues involved, we discussed the life experiences and the place of sport and PA with 22 Indigenous women. A complex amalgamation of cultural beliefs and traditions, history, gendered factors, and geography are presented in the women's stories. Sport and PA were highly regarded, providing the women with opportunities to maintain strong communities, preserve culture, and develop distinct identities as ‘enablers’. The women called for culturally safe spaces in which to engage in PA and noted the need for Indigenous females to act as role models.
• The community network: an Aboriginal community football club bringing people together, Alister Thorpe, Wendy Anders, Kevin Rowley, Australian Journal of Primary Health, Volume 20(4), pp.356-364, (2014). The aim of the present study was to understand the impact of an Aboriginal community sporting team and its environment on the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of young Aboriginal men, and to identify barriers and motivators for participation. Results of the interviews were consistent with the literature, with common concepts emerging around community connection, cultural values and identity, health, values, racism and discrimination. However, the interviews provided further detail around the significance of cultural values and community connection for Aboriginal people. The complex nature of social connections and the strength of Aboriginal community networks in sports settings were also evident. Social reasons were just as important as individual health reasons for participation. Social and community connection is an important mechanism for maintaining and strengthening cultural values and identity. Barriers and motivators for participation in Aboriginal sports teams can be complex and interrelated. Aboriginal sports teams have the potential to have a profound impact on the health of Aboriginal people, especially its players, by fostering a safe and culturally strengthening environment and encompassing a significant positive social hub for the Aboriginal community.
• Opportunities, Barriers, and Constraints To Physical Activity in Rural Queensland, Australia. Eley R, Bush R, Brown W, Journal of Physical Activity and Health Volume 11(1), pp.68-75, (2014). Research in six diverse rural Queensland shires found that half the respondents failed to meet Australian physical activity guidelines and 1 in 5 reported no activity. Some barriers to physical activity (i.e. family commitments) were similar to those from urban areas. Rural barriers included climate, culture of exercise, and community leadership. It was concluded that the promotion of healthy lifestyle in rural environments need to be tailored to the local community and not necessarily replicate urban programs. While this research does not specifically address Indigenous communities or individuals, a substantial proportion of the Indigenous population live in rural, regional and remote communities, and these issues are therefore likely to apply.
• Factors influencing attendance in a structured physical activity program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in an urban setting: a mixed methods process evaluation, Karla J Canuto, Belinda Spagnoletti, Robyn McDermott, et.al., International Journal for Equity in Health, Volume 12, Article 11, (2013). The aim of this study was to identify participants’ perceived barriers and enablers to attend group exercise classes as part of a 12-week fitness program. Analyses of the post-program interviews revealed that participants enrolled in the program primarily for the perceived health benefits and all (with one exception) found the program met their needs and expectations. The atmosphere of classes was positive and comfortable and they reported developing good relationships with their fellow participants and program staff. Low attendees described more barriers to attendance, such as illness and competing work and family obligations, and were more likely to report logistical issues, such as inconvenient venue or class times.

• Winyarr Ganbina - Women Arise, Victoria University, Outback Academy Australia, Paralympics Australia, (2022). For the first time in Australia, Victoria University in partnership with Outback Academy Australia and Paralympics Australia have recorded the experiences of Indigenous women with a disability who play sport. Provides insight and resources for sport organisations to improve access to sport for people with disability, in particular people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island backgrounds.
  • Checklist for an inclusive community sports organisation, Outback Academy Australia – Red Dust Heelers, (2022). A range of actions that sport organisations can implement to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for Indigenous people with a disability, as players and leaders in sport.
• Gippsland Indigenous Round: Information and resource kit, 2nd edition, GippSport, (2018). Indigenous rounds [sometimes called Dreamtime rounds] are a great opportunity to highlight the contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to sporting clubs and the wider community. They also provide an opportunity to work towards better understanding and reconciliation. This document is a starting point for sporting clubs considering holding an Indigenous Round event. It has been developed by GippSport's Deadly Sport Gippsland team from observations, discussions and involvement in events held during previous years.
• Many Stories, One Goal – Supporting Indigenous Footballers, AFL Players Association, (updated 2016). Resource was developed by the nine-member Indigenous Advisory Board and built from the stories and experiences of every Indigenous player in the game and key stakeholders within the industry. The policy is built around four key pillars; Induction, Professional Development, Personal Support and Our Culture – areas identified as vital to developing an environment that best supports Indigenous footballers throughout every stage of their playing career and beyond.

• Coaching Unlimited. A national coaching education program that provides sport-specific coaching accreditation, and research-based health promotion workshops, to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples become sport coaches and community leaders.
  • Coaching Unlimited: Empowering generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, A research report commissioned by Netball Australia and Netball New South Wales, (2017). This report discusses the delivery and evaluation of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ netball coaching workshop delivered on August 6, 2017 at Genea Netball Centre, Sydney Olympic Park. Based on the survey and interview results, the workshop was enjoyable and well delivered; included useful information, skills, and resources; and provided coaches with practical ideas for future coaching and leadership roles within their communities. In sum, all coaches either agreed or strongly agreed that the Coaching Unlimited workshop included useful resources; increased their interest in, and understanding of, the workshop topics; and, enhanced their ability to implement strategies relating to the workshop.
• Garnduwa Amboorny Wirnan Aboriginal Corporation. We believe that Aboriginal led programs play an important role in meeting community defined targets through decision making, and empowering Aboriginal peoples to tackle our own social issues. Programs tend to be more successful where there is community leadership. Garnduwa delivers leadership programs throughout the Kimberley to encourage students to further enhance their qualities and potential as strong community organizers and persons of influence. The programs are crucial to the development of Kimberley Youth as our future leaders and foster and empower Kimberley people and their communities.

• Why the NRLW is a pathway for Indigenous coaches, Brad Walter, NRL.com, (11 February 2022). Every NRLW team will have an Indigenous staff member in a senior leadership position for the upcoming season in a development that highlights the success of a pathways strategy that is being hailed as a blueprint for other areas of the game.
• 'Creating a pathway': Indigenous coach breaking new ground in VFLW, Brendan Rhodes, AFL.com.au, (10 February 2022). Kirby Bentley will become the first Indigenous coach in the competition in the opening round on Saturday. She will become the first Indigenous coach in the VFLW's short history, joining Xavier Clarke, who led Richmond's VFL team last year before being promoted up the AFL club's coaching staff, as Indigenous mentors at state league level – and it is a feat she is extremely proud of as she aims to blaze a trail for her people.
• Wests Tigers assistant Ronnie Griffiths, the NRL’s only Aboriginal coach, Nick Walshaw, The Advertiser, (18 June 2021). The NRL’s only Aboriginal coach has earned his position the hard way, initially working for free and driving 350km a day, but it beats being overlooked because of the colour of his skin. The problem is not limited to rugby league, with the AFL also boasting just two coaches of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background — Richmond VFL coach Xavier Clarke and Western Bulldogs development coach Travis Varcoe. Elsewhere, a 2017 Western Sydney University study revealed across all sports, Indigenous Australians make up just 0.8 per cent of the coaching ranks.
• Dover set to make history as first female Indigenous NBL referee, Finn Potter, SBS Sport, (18 May 2021). The NBL has announced Jacqui Dover will become the first female Indigenous referee in league history when she makes her debut later this month.
• The numbers highlighting Indigenous players' immense impact on Australian rules football, Cody Atkinson and Sean Lawson, ABC News, (20 August 2020). On the eve of this year's Indigenous Round, let's delve into some of the numbers that illustrate their contributions.
  • 87 Indigenous Australians are currently on AFL lists — which is about 11 per cent of the entire playing cohort. 22 Indigenous players during this year's AFLW season, or 5 per cent of the competition.
  • There's only been one Indigenous umpire in VFL or AFL football: Glenn James. James umpired the 1982 and 1984 VFL Grand Finals.
  • 2 per cent - the number of Indigenous coaches in the AFL system badly trails the participation rate of players. There have only been two Indigenous senior coaches in the VFL/AFL, and none since 1984 — when Barry Cable left North Melbourne.
• Why are so few professional sport coaches from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities? Andrew Bennie, Western Sydney University, Demelza Marlin, UNSW, and Nicholas Apoifis, UNSW, The Conversation, (13 June 2016). there has been little research into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander coaches – what they do, why, and the kinds of barriers they face in progressing their careers. For this reason, in 2015 we listened to the stories of 26 Aboriginal coaches from various team and individual sports. They worked in remote, rural, and metropolitan settings, from the community level to high-performance athletics.

• Aboriginal Sports Coaches, Community, and Culture, Marlin, Demelza, Apoifis, Nicholas, Bennie, Andrew, Springer, (2020). This book is the first to celebrate the stories of this group of Aboriginal mentors and leaders and present them in a form that is accessible to both academic and general audiences. In this book, Aboriginal sport coaches from all over Australia share stories about their involvement in sport and community, offering insight into the diverse experiences of Aboriginal people in settler colonial Australia.
• ‘We were made to feel comfortable and … safe’: co-creating, delivering, and evaluating coach education and health promotion workshops with Aboriginal Australian peoples, Andrew Bennie, Demelza Marlin, Nick Apoifis, et.al., Annals of Leisure Research, (29 May 2019). This paper outlines the processes for co-creating and delivering Coaching Unlimited, a coach education and health promotion workshops series providing specific opportunities for Aboriginal Australian coaches to develop their capacity as future leaders in leisure settings. We used the Ngaa-bi-nya framework – an Aboriginal health and social programme evaluation framework. Using the four domains of Ngaa-bi-nya, we were able to confirm the importance of co-creating and delivering the workshops in a culturally safe and inclusive environment. Reflecting on our own processes of doing research and working with Aboriginal communities, we learnt that hosting workshops in and with community, is central to the programme’s accessibility and success. The paper concludes by considering the utility of the framework and what researchers can learn about their own practice in the space of Aboriginal sport and health programmes.
• Cultural connections and cultural ceilings: exploring the experiences of Aboriginal Australian sport coaches, Andrew Bennie, Nicholas Apoifis, Demelza Marlin, et.al., Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, Volume 11(3), pp.299-315, (2017). This is one of the first studies to specifically explore Aboriginal Australian peoples’ experiences in sport coaching roles. We share the insights of 28 Aboriginal Australian sport coaches from a variety of team and individual sports as they describe an array of factors that facilitated and impeded their sport coaching journeys. By shedding light on these narratives this paper performs two main tasks. First, taking a qualitative approach, it gives agency and voice to Aboriginal people, long-neglected in academic sports scholarship. Second, it provides insights for coaches, athletes, academics, policy-makers, and sporting organisations interested in enhancing opportunities and developing pathways for Aboriginal people in sport coaching roles. The article also provides some insights that could inform conversations between Aboriginal communities and organisational stakeholders to enhance opportunities for Aboriginal sport coaches. Some of the examples may include Aboriginal-specific coaching clinics that feed into mainstream opportunities, formal mentoring programmes, and promoting the achievements of current coaches.
• Noble athlete, savage coach: how racialised representations of Aboriginal athletes impede professional sport coaching opportunities for Aboriginal Australians, Nicholas Apoifis, Demelza Marlin, Andrew Bennie, International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Volume 53(7), pp.854-868, (2017). In this paper we examine how racialised representations of Aboriginal athletic ability affect Aboriginal coaches. Premised on interviews with 26 Aboriginal Australian coaches, we argue that representations of Aboriginal athletes as naturally suited to speed and flair, rather than leadership and sporting-intellect, help maintain an environment that limits opportunities for Aboriginal Australians seeking to move into sporting leadership roles, such as coaching. This paper sheds light on the ways in which racialised representations of Aboriginal athletes feed into a settler colonialist narrative that stymies opportunities for aspiring Aboriginal professional coaches, and speculates on the limitations of this approach, in challenging the political hegemony of settler colonialism.
• Māori Culture Counts: A Case Study of the Waikato Chiefs, Jeremy Hapeta, Farah Palmer, In: Enhancing Mātauranga Māori and Global Indigenous Knowledge, New Zealand Qualifications Authority, (March 2014). This chapter examines how mātauranga ā-iwi and mātauranga Māori were integrated into the Chiefs’ team culture and values, and provides examples of how this was perceived to contribute toward a winning team culture and effective leader-follower relations. From an outsider’s perspective, obvious changes that have occurred since 2012 have been a change of coaching staff and a subsequent change in team culture that appears to embrace things Māori in the way the team prepares for games, strategises prior to and during games, and celebrates after games. Situating their Chiefs’ team culture within the local landscape and tūrangawaewae (place of standing/belonging), and priding themselves on Chiefs’ mana (respect for their franchise and brand) is symbolic of the approach taken in 2012 and 2013.
• Recommendations for the development and transition of Indigenous athletes into high performance programs, Australian Sports Commission, (2011). The review presented in this document was conducted to detail and critique the Indigenous sport programs supported and delivered through the NTID program. Aims included to evaluate the effectiveness of these Indigenous-centric programs in identifying and supporting the development of Indigenous athletes, as well as to provide recommendations to improve high performance Indigenous programs. Key recommendations relating to coaching included: All coach/support staff and any personnel involved with an Indigenous sport program should have a willingness to understand and respect Indigenous culture (that is, awareness and respect of Indigenous custom, partake in cultural awareness training and continuing education, etc.). Similarly, an increase in identification, support and development opportunities for Indigenous coaches should also be considered; and to incorporate Indigenous mentors within the program.

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Sports Coaching Forum, Western Sydney University, (10 May 2016).  Expanding on conversations with researchers from Western Sydney University's School of Science and Health in 2015, this forum brought to the fore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives about facilitators and barriers to coaching pathways. The forum aimed to collaboratively produce initial recommendations that may enhance opportunities in sport coaching roles for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted by Dr Andrew Bennie, panel members included: Marcia Ella-Duncan, Jarred Hodges, Phil Duncan, Bou Ovington, and Darren Allie. [note: session actually starts at the 46 minute mark].

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) is the national agency established to provide information and statistics on Australia's health and welfare. Most general AIHW reports and products include information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, where data quality permits. Some key reports that focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations include:

• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework (HPF), Australian Institute of Health and Welfare/National Indigenous Australians Agency, (accessed 9 March 2022). This website brings together information from numerous sources to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date view of the state of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes, health system performance, and the broader determinants of health. It is designed to inform policy, planning, program development, and research.
• Regional Insights for Indigenous Communities (RIFIC), (accessed 10 March 2022). This website brings together a range of regional statistics about the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities. The aim of the website is to provide access to data at a local level, to help communities set their priorities and participate in joint planning with government and service providers. The Indigenous communities and Other locations referenced, are derived from the Australian Government Indigenous Programs and Policy Locations and Australian Bureau of Statistics’ State Suburbs data sets.
• Indigenous Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Clearinghouse, (accessed 10 March 2022). The Clearinghouse brings together information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention. It was established to enhance and improve access to the Indigenous mental health and suicide prevention evidence base. The Clearinghouse contributes to a series of actions supported by the Australian Government to improve mental health and suicide through the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.
• Profile of Indigenous Australians, (23 July 2020). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the Indigenous peoples of Australia. They comprise hundreds of groups, each with its own distinct language, history and cultural traditions. This page provides some demographic information on the Indigenous population, as well as information on languages and cultures.
• Health risk factors among Indigenous Australians, (23 July 2020). This page provides an overview of the prevalence of certain health risk factors among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including overweight and obesity and not meeting physical activity guidelines.
• Indigenous health and wellbeing, (23 July 2020). This page presents information drawn from the 2018–19 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey on self-assessed health, disability status and the prevalence of specific long-term health conditions, along with information from the Australian Burden of Disease Study.
• Indigenous life expectancy and deaths, (23 July 2020). Although Australia’s national life expectancy is high compared with that of other countries, there are significant disparities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Indigenous Australians. In 2015–2017, life expectancy at birth for Indigenous Australians was estimated to be 71.6 years for males and 75.6 years for females. In comparison, over the same period life expectancy at birth for non-Indigenous Australians was 80.2 years for males and 83.4 years for females.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent and youth health and wellbeing 2018, (29 November 2018). Provides comprehensive data on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people aged 10–24. Information on health and wellbeing outcomes, health determinants, risk factors, and health and welfare service use. The report also examines differences between young Indigenous and non-Indigenous people on key health and wellbeing measures.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has committed to creating positive and lasting change to reduce health and wellbeing inequities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians through sport.

The ASC funds and supports national sporting organisations (NSOs) to coordinate and deliver sport participation and development programs to increase the participation and quality of sport for all. Current practice reflects the move from a targeted programs approach to a more inclusive approach to developing sporting opportunities for under-represented population groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

• Share a Yarn, Australian Institute of Sport, (accessed 10 March 2022). This initiative provides current and former Australian elite athletes with meaningful opportunities to connect with the Indigenous community, and learn more about the differing cultures, lands, history and people. The athlete ambassadors selected for Share a Yarn are a mix of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) athletes and non-ATSI athletes and will be involved for a 12 month period, which includes community visits, remaining in contact and supporting communities through online video messaging, community event appearances and sharing their learning back to their sport.
  • Share a Yarn Map, (accessed 10 March 2022). A resource for high performance sport; to facilitate learning, and a respect for the traditional owners of the land in which the system operates and athletes train and compete. The map aides connection to land, community, sport and one another, for performance and wellbeing outcomes.
• Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous Games. An activity resource of over 100 traditional Indigenous games created to provide all Australians with an opportunity to learn about, appreciate, and experience aspects of Indigenous culture.

Research projects

• The AusPlay Survey (AusPlay) is a large scale national population tracking survey funded and led by the Australian Sports Commission that tracks Australian sport and physical recreation participation behaviours to help inform investment, policy and sport delivery. Updated data is released twice per year (April and October). AusPlay collects data on Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander origin for survey participants over 18 years of age. For children the survey includes the Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander origin of the parent interviewed.
• Indigenous Australians' Participation in Sports and Physical Activities: Part 2, Qualitative research, ORC International for the Australian Sports Commission, (March 2018).The research affirms the central role of sport and physical activity within Indigenous communities and the importance of sporting clubs and organisations to facilitate these opportunities. Increasing participation and overcoming barriers to sports and physical activities, for both adults and children was a priority amongst Indigenous people. The encouragement and facilitation of physically active traditional cultural practices can drive engagement and participation amongst Indigenous people of all ages – this was
  particularly evident in remote locations. Recommendations include ensuring that programs are culturally inclusive and respectful of
  Indigenous people, reducing costs, and increasing opportunities which are available within remote and some regional areas. While many issues related to sporting infrastructure, public transport and economic factors are beyond the remit of sporting clubs to solve, clubs can take some practical measures to improve participation amongst Indigenous Australians.
• Indigenous Australians' Participation in Sports and Physical Activities: Part 1, Literature and AusPlay data review, ORC International for the Australian Sports Commission, (March 2017). The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) engaged ORC International to conduct a research project on Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s participation in sport and physical activities. The study was designed to explore Indigenous Australians’ sports participation behaviour and provide the ASC with a deeper understanding of the drivers of that behaviour. Analyses were performed on data produced by the AusPlay survey and recent literature.
• The Impact of Indigenous community sports programs: the case of surfing: research report, Dr. Steven Rynne, Dr. Tony Rossi, Australian Sports Commission and University of Queensland, (2012). The objective of this research project was to consider the social impact of sport and physical activity on the lives of Indigenous Australians and their communities. Indigenous groups cannot be considered to be homogenous as there is much diversity between and within groups. It is therefore important this report is not viewed as taking an essentialist view of who Indigenous people are and how they develop. Rather, this paper attempts to describe and discuss the experiences of some individuals and their communities in site-specific surfing programs. The most significant finding of this research related to the potential for surfing programs to connect participants so they could learn and develop in a variety of meaningful ways. Surf programs provided a way for Indigenous people to (re)connect with country, foster connections between participants and program providers, form bonds with other Indigenous children and unite community members to reinforce and pass on aspects of culture.
• Recommendations for the development and transition of Indigenous athletes into high performance programs, Australian Sports Commission, (2011). The review presented in this document was conducted to detail and critique the Indigenous sport programs supported and delivered through the NTID program. Aims included to evaluate the effectiveness of these Indigenous-centric programs in identifying and supporting the development of Indigenous athletes, as well as to provide recommendations to improve high performance Indigenous programs. In addition, a comparative analysis was conducted with the AFL to identify what it does in relation to the identification and development of Indigenous athletes. The sport of AFL was chosen due to its extensive work in this area. It is envisaged that the insights gained from this comprehensive review will inform practical and meaningful recommendations for supporting current and future Indigenous athletes. This information is of critical importance for NSOs and other key stakeholders such as the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
• Indigenous Sport Program – Evaluation Report, Small Candle Consulting, (August 2009). The Australian Sports Commission managed and administered the Indigenous Sport Program (ISP), in financial partnership with other Commonwealth agencies, State and Territory Departments of Sport and Recreation (SDSR), and the mainstream sporting industry from 1993 until 2011.This evaluation sought to identify: the effectiveness of existing ISP partnerships with SDSR and the mainstream sporting industry; where sport for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples best fitted broader Australian Government policy agenda; and any improvements to the program for more effective service delivery and improved outcomes.

The Department of Health works in conjunction with other Government Departments, including the National Indigenous Australians Agency, to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health initiatives and programs. A list of Australian Government initiatives and programs relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Many of these programs are funded through the Indigenous Australians' Health Programme.
• The Indigenous Australians’ Health Programme. The Australian Government Department of Health is committed to the delivery of high quality, comprehensive and culturally appropriate essential health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021-2031. The new National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan sets the policy direction for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. It will guide the development of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policies, programs and initiatives over the next 10 years.
• Review of physical activity among Indigenous people. Gray C, Macniven R, Thomson N, Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, (2013). This review of physical activity among Indigenous Australians has been prepared by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet as a part of our contributions to ‘closing the gap’ in health between Indigenous people and other Australians by making relevant, high quality knowledge and information easily accessible to policy makers, health service providers, program managers, clinicians, researchers and the general community

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) was established in 2019. The NIAA works to influence policy across the entire Australian Government. They liaise closely with State and Territory governments, Indigenous peak bodies, stakeholders and service providers to ensure that programs and services are delivering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as intended.

The NIAA has a number of functions, including:

• to lead and coordinate Commonwealth policy development, program design and implementation and service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
• to provide advice to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Indigenous Australians on whole-of-government priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
• to lead and coordinate the development and implementation of Australia’s Closing the Gap targets in partnership with Indigenous Australians; and
• to lead Commonwealth activities to promote reconciliation.

One key focus area for the NIAA is health and wellbeing, working across governments to help reduce the health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. Some key reports and policies in this space include:

• National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017-2023, Commonwealth of Australia, (2017). This Framework provides a dedicated focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing and mental health. It sets out a comprehensive and culturally appropriate stepped care model that is equally applicable to both Indigenous specific and mainstream health services. It will help guide and support Indigenous mental health policy and practice over the next five years and be an important resource for policy makers, advocates, service providers, clients, consumers and researchers.
• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework (HPF), Australian Institute of Health and Welfare/National Indigenous Australians Agency, (accessed 9 March 2022). This website brings together information from numerous sources to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date view of the state of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes, health system performance, and the broader determinants of health. It is designed to inform policy, planning, program development, and research. The program is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) in partnership with the AIHW and the Department of Health.
  • The most recent published report (2020) was released on 8 December 2020.

Indigenous Advancement Strategy

The Australian Government's Indigenous Advancement Strategy consolidates the many different Indigenous policies and programs that were delivered by Government into six overarching programs, making it easier for organisations delivering local services. The program streams are:

• Jobs, Land and Economy
• Children and Schooling
• Safety and Wellbeing
• Culture and Capability
• Remote Australia Strategies
• Research and Evaluation

The website indigenous.gov.au is designed to connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with Australian Government policies and programs and raise awareness about the initiatives that affect them most. The site shares news and events as well as stories from individuals, communities and organisations across Australia. They are real stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the challenges and opportunities facing them, and the successes and achievements being demonstrated every day.

The Productivity Commission is the Australian Government's independent research and advisory body on a range of economic, social, and environmental issues affecting the welfare of Australians. In April 2002, the Council of Australian Governments commissioned the Steering Committee to produce a regular report against key indicators of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage.

The Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage report measures the wellbeing of Australia's Indigenous peoples. It measures where things have improved (or not) against indicators across a range of areas including governance, leadership and culture, early childhood, education, economic participation, health, home environment and safe and supportive communities. The report includes case studies on governance, with a specific focus on identifying arrangements that support shared decision-making between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Australian governments.

The Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Report 2020, (3 December 2020). This is the eighth report in the Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage (OID) series. The information in this report provides a high level view of the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It identifies where progress is being made and draws attention to where more work is needed. Section 5.7 highlights some of the key data, outcomes, and areas for future research relating to sport and physical activity participation by Indigenous Australians.

• Participation in sport and recreational activities has beneficial effects on individuals, and contributes to community cohesion. About two in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 3 years or over participated in sporting and physical recreation activities in 2014-15.
• Playing in, or training for, organised sport was more common for Australian children overall than for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and this pattern is observed across all remoteness areas other than major cities.
• Little research was found on facilitators for, and barriers to, improving participation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in community activities. More research may be necessary to address this gap, and would contribute to building effective strategies into program design.

Indigenous Evaluation Strategy, Productivity Commission, Australian Government, (October 2020). The Strategy does not endorse particular evaluation approaches or methods, but rather acknowledges that different evaluation questions and contexts will require different approaches. There is also guidance material for Australian Government agencies to use when they are selecting, planning, conducting and using evaluations of policies and programs affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Strategy puts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at its centre. It recognises the need to draw on the perspectives, priorities and knowledges of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people if outcomes are to be improved.

The Closing the Gap Information Repository is produced by the Productivity Commission. The purpose of the information repository is to inform reporting on progress in Closing the Gap. The Information Repository includes a Dashboard and annual data compilation report:

• The Dashboard provides the most up-to-date information available on the targets and indicators in the Agreement. The data will be available in different formats including visual.
• The annual data compilation report (last published July 2021) provides a point-in-time snapshot of the Dashboard material.
• Information about the targets and indicators will be added over time and will include reporting against agreed Priority Reform and socioeconomic outcome targets and indicators

Further supporting material will be added over time to build on existing capability in accessing and interpreting the data reported.

• Evaluation of the Sporting Chance Program, Australian Council for Education Research (October 2011). The Sporting Chance Program - was an Australian Government initiative that started operations in secondary schools and colleges in 2007. The objective of the Sporting Chance Program was to encourage improved educational outcomes for Indigenous students (boys and girls) using sport and recreation. This review found that overall, the DEEWR Sporting Chance Program, despite some limitations, achieved what it has set out to do – that is to encourage improved educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
• Performance Audit of The Sporting Chance Program, Department of Finance and Deregulation, Office of Evaluation and Audit (Indigenous Programs), (July 2009). The objective of the performance audit was to assess the performance of academies funded under the Sporting Chance Program and DEEWR’s management of the program. The audit did not assess the performance of the program’s education engagement strategies component as this did not commence until 2008.
• Learn Earn Legend! An Australian Government message to young Indigenous Australians and their role models. The Learn Earn Legend! message encouraged and supported young Indigenous Australians to stay at school, get a job and be a legend for themselves, their family and their community. The program is still active with some community organisations, including the Cowboys Rugby League team Community Foundation.
• Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, (2001). Since this review, sport has been seen as an avenue to engage with Indigenous peoples in conjunction with deliberate programming to assist in delivering multiple policy outcomes. Examples of sporting programs that originated from the Commission's inquiry included: The Young Person's Sport and Recreation Development Program, the Far West Academy of Sport in Cobar, and the Aboriginal Sports Development Program.

Sport and Recreation supports the sport and recreation sector and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to participate in physical activity.

• Indigenous Australians’ participation in sports and physical activities - Qualitative Research Report ACT, ORC International, (2017). Sport and Recreation engaged ORC Intentional to conduct research on participation in sport and physical activity amongst Indigenous people in the ACT region (including Queanbeyan). The research explored current participation levels and behaviours, key drivers and barriers to participation and the role of sport and sporting clubs within communities. The research was qualitative, with focus groups and interviews being with Indigenous people age 15 years and over. Additionally, interviews were conducted with intermediaries who are engaged in the organisation development of sports and physical activity programs which target Indigenous participation. Respondents were recruited by local Indigenous organisations which ORC partnered with for the research. Full report and Executive summary available. Some key findings included:
  • The key drivers for Indigenous participation in sports and physical activity included, desire for fun or enjoyment, a perceived (often health or fitness-driven) need, a lack of barriers, perceived suitability (to personal requirements and preferences), and the existence of external, social support or encouragement.
  • The main barriers fell broadly under the categories of: other commitments, especially to family or community; personal illness or injury; financial constraints; access issues; safety or comfort concerns; a different cultural construct of sport and physical activity; and racism

Office of Sport. The Office of Sport assists the people of NSW to participate in sport and recreation. Their vision is of sport and active recreation creating healthier people, connecting communities and making a stronger NSW.

• Traditional Indigenous Games, (accessed 10 March 2022). Here are some of the games that you could include when conducting a Traditional Indigenous Games event.
• Reconciliation Action Plan - September 2021 - September 2023, (Innovate). The Office of Sport and Venues NSW understand that sport is incredibly important to Aboriginal communities and is a powerful way to engage for better health, social and economic outcomes.

Sport and Recreation. Invests in and supports the development of the sport and active recreation sectors in the Northern Territory. It also represents the Territory’s interests in policy and decision making forums regarding national sporting development and delivery.

• Gone Too Soon: A Report into Youth Suicide in the Northern Territory. NT Select Committee on Youth Suicides in the NT, (March 2012). This report highlights a broad range of issues and factors that influence the high rate of suicide in the Northern Territory. The report demonstrates that sport in conjunction with a number of other interventions can be utilised as an effective tool in reducing the number of youth suicides.

The Queensland Government facilitates a number of programs and funding initiatives in the inclusion and physical activity space.

• Activate! Queensland 2019-2029, Queensland Government, (2019). Activate! Queensland 2019–2029 has been developed in consultation with the Sport Minister’s Advisory Council, members of which are proud to support this new collaborative direction for physical activity and movement in Queensland. As part of the Activate Queenslanders priority area the strategy identifies the goal of supporting delivery of quality, co-designed and culturally appropriate participation opportunities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Torres Strait Community Sport and Recreation Program (applications currently closed). The objective of the program is to provide funding to an organisation to coordinate and facilitate the delivery of community focused sport and active recreation for the Torres Strait Inner Island communities of Muralug (Prince of Wales), Nurupai (Horn Island), Waiben (Thursday Island) and Gealug (Friday Island) and to administer grants for travel to competitions.
• Burragun Games Trail, Queensland Government, (accessed 16 January 2023). The Queensland Government and Nature Play Queensland have installed a traditional Indigenous games trail in Mayes Place Park, Kingston. The games and trail name were selected in consultation with the traditional owners of the area, the Yugambeh language group.

The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing facilitates a range of programs and funding opportunities in the inclusion and physical activity space. The ORSR aims to:

• Encourage Indigenous people to be more active and to be involved in all aspects of sport.
• Increase opportunities for Indigenous people to learn the skills needed to organise, deliver and manage community-based sport.

South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academies (SAASTA), SA Department of Education, (accessed 10 March 2022). There are four (4) SAASTA sports academies for students who are very skilful at a particular sport and aim to play it at the highest level they can. Students attend an academy one day a week for the school year to develop their skills with the help of specialised coaches.

Sport SA - Reconciliation Knowledge Centre. The Reconciliation Knowledge Centre provides information and resources for the use and benefit of our South Australian sporting clubs and organisations.

Sport and Recreation works with the Aboriginal community, Aboriginal organisations and sporting organisations to provide opportunities for Tasmanian Aboriginal people to access and benefit from participation in sport, recreation and physical activity.

The Office of Aboriginal Affairs (OAA) in the Department's Communities, Sport and Recreation Division is the primary resource for and adviser to the Government on policy issues affecting Tasmania's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.

Sport and Recreation Victoria works with industry and the sport sector to support the development of world class infrastructure and facilities and to build inclusive participation in sport and recreation.

• Active Victoria: A strategic framework for sport and recreation in Victoria 2017-2021, State of Victoria, Department of Health and Human Services, (July 2017). One of the strategic directions of this strategy is to support increased participation of Aboriginal Victorians. It highlights data suggesting that only 30% of people in Aboriginal communities participate in sport and recreation and that discrimination and harassment continue to be a sizeable barrier for Aboriginal Victorians. As part of Strategic Direction Two they aim to increase capacity of sport to attract, engage with and retain Aboriginal participants.
• The Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program (ISRP) aims to create a sport and recreation sector that is inclusive of and accessible to Indigenous Victorians. The program aims to:
  • increase awareness within the sport and recreation industry of ways that it can be more inclusive of Indigenous people;
  • increase access to sport and recreation opportunities by working with indigenous communities;
  • increase the involvement of indigenous people in the sport and recreation industry; and
  • facilitate links between sport and recreation organisations, indigenous communities and other relevant agencies.
• Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program, Sport and Recreation Victoria, (applications open until 16 August 2022). The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program provides grants to assist Aboriginal Victorians to participate in Aboriginal sport carnivals, buy sports uniforms and equipment, as well as funding for travel and accommodation expenses for athletes to compete in state and national competitions.

VicHealth provides funding for a range of initiatives that aim to improve the health and mental wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians. These include mentoring programs for school students; projects to increase physical activity; employment and capacity building initiatives; and efforts tackling the devastating impact of family violence.

• Everyone Wins – Community sporting clubs, VicHealth, (2011). This toolkit specifically aims to help clubs increase the involvement of women and girls, Aboriginal people and people from culturally diverse communities. It provides practical tools and resources to help Victorian community sports clubs become more inclusive and welcoming of everyone in their community.

Vicsport. This page has been developed by Vicsport in partnership with the Victorian State Government to provide you with practical information and resources in understanding the important role sport plays in creating safe and welcoming environments for Aboriginal people. Includes two videos highlighting how sport can be used as a vehicle to create social change, and how storytelling is at the heart of Aboriginal culture.

• Reconciliation Action Plan - June 2021 - June 2023 (Innovate).

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is focused on creating environments to increase Aboriginal participation in organised sport and active recreation as athletes, coaches, officials and administrators from grassroots programs through to elite competition.

• Targeted Participation Program (TPP), (accessed 10 March 2022). Provides funding for organisations to promote participation and active engagement of Western Australian communities in sport and active recreation. The focus is on evidence-based low participation groups including Aboriginal populations.

WA Aboriginal Sports Council (WAASC). The WAASC was convened in November 2016 to oversee and advise on the development of a new sport and culture agenda for Aboriginal people in WA. There are six members, of which five are external appointments, namely Bruce Loo (Chair), Mick Albert, Michael Mitchell, Cheryl Kickett-Tucker and Clive Walley. Antoni Grover, Evan Stewart and Liz Toohey are representatives from the department. The need for its establishment emerged through an extensive stakeholder engagement process which culminated in a discussion paper: 'Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Service Delivery: A Discussion Paper', WA Department of Sport and Recreation, (May 2016).

Australian Sporting Network: Joint Reconciliation Statement, (27 May 2021). The sporting network including – the Australian Institute of Sport, Sport Australia, the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, Commonwealth Games Australia, ACT Academy of Sport, NSW Institute of Sport, NT Institute of Sport, Queensland Academy of Sport, SA Sports Institute, Tasmanian Institute of Sport, Victorian Institute of Sport, WA Institute of Sport – have come together to unite sport and provide more substantive action on reconciliation moving forward. We hope through this shared statement, we can:

• Embrace the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories knowledges, and experiences, so we can effectively move forward as a sporting community.
• Pay true respect to Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and Waterways.
• Provide employment opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples including current and past athletes across all sporting industries.
• Share learnings and resources relating to current and future initiatives.
• Support the continued development of Reconciliation Action Plans within this sporting network.
• Improve the procurement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander goods and services across the network.
• Create a more culturally aware, inclusive, and safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across all areas of our operation and performance.
• Ensure our organisations are more reflective of the communities we represent.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History in Athletics, Athletics Australia, (accessed 11 March 2022). Australian athletics has a rich history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders not just competing but succeeding in the sport dating back well over 100 years. This is only the start of the story, and Athletics Australia will continue to add to this story, as we look forward to seeing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders create new chapters

Australian Football League (AFL). The Indigenous population makes up approximately two and a half percent of the total Australian population; from this, 100,000 Indigenous participants are involved with AFL programs around the country. Indigenous Players make up 11% of the AFL player list. Indigenous programs include:

• Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round. In honour of the Round, all 18 clubs will wear special Indigenous-themed guernseys and the AFL umpires will also wear uniforms that represent the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander communities with the artwork designed by two students from Worawa Aboriginal College.
• Next Generation Academies. The AFL Club Next Generation Academies are a joint initiative between the AFL and AFL Clubs, aimed at increasing the opportunities for young people to learn about and play the game of Australian Rules football. The program is targeted at Multicultural and Indigenous communities who may not have as much opportunity to be involved in football programs, or who have limited understanding of the game and how it is played. While the programs focus is on these non-traditional football communities, it is a program that is available to all young players of any skill level aged 11 – 18 years old.
• Jim Stynes Scholarship. Funded by the Federal Government and supported by the AFL and The Reach Foundation, the purpose of the Jim Stynes Scholarship Fund is to assist in providing both a pathway to employment and a pathway to develop skills and talents unique in youth aged 13 to 19 who have a multicultural or Indigenous background or are from a socially isolated community.
• Footy Means Business. The program provides education, training and employment opportunities for 50 young Indigenous men from across Australia. The participants are engaged in two one-week residential camps and are exposed to the environment of a professional AFL player, including high-performance testing, training and conditioning as well as leadership development. A highlight of the program is the opportunity to play the curtain-raiser to Dreamtime at the G between Richmond and Essendon.

AFL Cape York. The purpose of AFL Cape York Ltd is to enhance the life skills of Indigenous Australians and increase the participation in sport through the AFL Game. The program has grown from not just encouraging AFL participation but more importantly offering AFL as a vehicle to create personal and community change. AFL Cape York staff encourage participants to go to school, say no to substance abuse and other drugs and discuss the negative affect violence is having on communities. Annually, AFL Cape York engages over 12,000 Participants face-to-face through our Game Development Team via Sport Education (In-School), Auskick (After-School), Kick and Catch, Crusader Cups (Development and Representative Pathways), Community Engagement Sessions and Coach Education Programs.

AFL Northern Territory - Remote projects. By harnessing the passion for Australian Rules Football, remote-based football initiatives are delivered by AFLNT to save extensive and dangerous travel time to access structured and supported sporting environments. Remote based football programs allow people to play their sport of preference on country of significance without the potential distractions of urban locations. All football initiatives are participatory driven to include; children, youth and adults (males and female) in various programs. Football activities involve targeted messaging and specific programs based on advice from community elders, funding bodies and service providers. The remote projects are delivered in a culturally sensitive manner with consideration for local customs, traditions and cultural practices.

AFL Victoria. AFL Victoria’s Indigenous Programs have an ongoing commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout the state of Victoria. Using Australian Football as the vehicle to promote healthy lifestyles/ wellbeing, education, employment, leadership including talent pathways, skill and game development. Programs include Indigenous talent programs (male and female); Sir Doug Nicholls Round; Koorie NAB AFL AusKick.

AFL Players Association strives to support the industry to provide an inclusive environment for all AFL and AFLW players to thrive within.Over many years, the PA has worked with Indigenous people to help educate the AFL industry on the unique challenges faced by Indigenous players and put support mechanisms in place to help them develop as both footballers and people. Central to that support is the AFLPA’s Indigenous Relationships Manager, Jamie Bennell, whose role is to connect Indigenous players with the services available to them through the AFLPA. In addition to Jamie, the AFLPA’s Indigenous Advisory Board (IAB), represents all Indigenous players by using the power in the voice of the collective to influence key issues. The IAB was born out of the AFLPA/AFL Indigenous Camp, which is a bi-annual event first held in 2000 where players from across the league come together on country to connect, learn and strategise ways to improve AFL experience for Indigenous players.

• Many Stories, One Goal – Supporting Indigenous Footballers, AFL Players Association, (updated 2016). Resource was developed by the nine-member Indigenous Advisory Board and built from the stories and experiences of every Indigenous player in the game and key stakeholders within the industry. The policy is built around four key pillars; Induction, Professional Development, Personal Support and Our Culture – areas identified as vital to developing an environment that best supports Indigenous footballers throughout every stage of their playing career and beyond.

SportsReady. The organisation works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities to develop sustainable employment pathways. It believes that education and employment are vital for people to participate fully in society.

Indigenous Players Alliance (IPA). A not for profit, independent, peak body for past and current Australian Football League Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players with a culturally appropriate support network, research and advocacy. Membership is open to past and current AFL players.

• Indigenous Players Alliance appoints inaugural board, ready to create change, Hannah Cross, National Indigenous Times, (24 July 2020). With over 200 current and former Indigenous players in the AFL, the IPA is already 105 registered members strong and is continuing to grow. The IPA plans to implement programs for Indigenous AFL hopefuls as well as programs out in community.

Rumbalara Football Netball Club (Rumbalara FNC) is an Aboriginal community run sporting club located in Shepparton, Victoria. It is dedicated to strengthening the community and bringing families together through strong vibrant leadership. It is a place of belonging, a place that people of all ages and backgrounds can call their own.

Aboriginal Power Cup, Port Adelaide Football Club, (accessed 16 April 2021). The SANTOS Aboriginal Power Cup is run in partnership with the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA). It was established in 2008 with funding from the Government of South Australia, and grew significantly with the support of SANTOS since 2009. In the first two years the SANTOS Aboriginal Power Cup met its objectives of improving the school attendance rates for Aboriginal students, using football as a vehicle to engage and motivate students at school. In successfully engaging students and attaining high attendance rates through APC our KPI’s continued to evolve from attendance to retention, completion and now transition into higher education or meaningful employment. The grand finals of the SANTOS Aboriginal Power Cup are played as a curtain-raiser to a Port Adelaide game at Adelaide Oval during Reconciliation week. To reach the final, teams must;

• Meet the 80% minimum school attendance requirement
• Rank highly in both the academic and behavioural components of the program.

Nicky Winmar Carnival is an annual round robin tournament targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male youth aged 13 to 15. The tournament features teams representing both metropolitan and regional WA. The carnival provides members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with a direct opportunity to: Participate in a structured WA football marquee event; Achieve coaching and umpiring accreditation; Re-engage with educational and sport participation programs; Connect with AFL/WAFL mentors and role models; Potentially be identified for WAFL development pathways.

Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI). A centre of cultural strength and learning for Indigenous youth within the Richmond Football Club. Established in 2011 the y offer leadership and sport programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

• Team Australia unveils Indigenous recognition symbol, Baseball Australia, (7 July 2021). Team Australia will acknowledge the rich history and culture of the country’s First Nations people after adding an indigenous symbol to its uniforms. The symbol, designed by proud Whadjuk Noongar woman and Perth artist Jarni McGuire, was revealed today to coincide with NAIDOC Week. It symbolises the contribution of each player to the game and the champions of the sport, also representing the Southern Cross and half of a baseball diamond.

Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA). IBA will deliver programs at the grassroots level for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people so they have a better chance to advance in the sport and more importantly, succeed in life. These programs aim to develop fundamental basketball knowledge, skills and competition, leading to an opportunity for selection to a national tournament and beyond.

• Australian NBA star Patty Mills ready to launch Indigenous Basketball Australia league, Matt Logue, news.com.au, (2 February 2021). Australian NBA star Patty Mills will launch his Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) league for the next generation of Indigenous youth this Sunday, with 960 athletes to compete in eight locations across the country. Mills founded the league to provide a participation and success pathway for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths.
• NBA partners with Patty Mills' Indigenous Basketball Australia, Olgun Uluc, ESPN, (5 February 2021). Through its Jr. NBA program -- the league's global youth basketball initiative -- the NBA will conduct a camp, led by international NBA coaches at the National Indigenous Basketball Tournament (NIBT) at the Gold Coast in Queensland, on April 11-13, 2021.

Racial Equality Review of Basketball Australia, Australian Human Rights Commission, (2021). In August 2020, the Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) was engaged by Basketball Australia to undertake an independent Racial Equality Review (‘the Review’) of the sport at a national level. The request for the Commission to conduct the Review was made against the backdrop of global protests and calls for racial justice through the Black Lives Matter movement. In response to these global events members of Australia’s basketball community reached out to Basketball Australia to examine its own position with respect to racial equality in the sport. In conducting the Review, the Commission sought to engage with current and former national players and their families, coaches, administrators, and Basketball Australia staff by way of interviews, focus groups and written submissions. The Commission also undertook a ‘desktop audit’ of Basketball Australia’s relevant policies and procedures. The purpose of this engagement and audit was to examine and report on: Existing structural barriers to achieving racial equality within organisational policies, pathways, programs, leagues, governance, and culture within Basketball Australia; and, The experiences of current and former national players and their families, coaches, administrators, and Basketball Australia staff about the organisational culture at Basketball Australia, in particular as it relates to racial equality. This report outlines the Commission’s key findings, highlights international and domestic examples of good practice, and makes 12 recommendations for action and reform under three focus areas. Key recommendations included establishing targets to diversify Board membership and recruitment, embedding racial equality in all policies and education; delivering regular anti-racism and cultural awareness training; and improving opportunities and pathways for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander national players and national players from racial, ethnic, and/or ethno-religious minority groups to progress through the sport on and off the court.

• BA commit to addressing racial equality following independent review, Basketball Australia, (19 March 2021).

Dion Devow on Winnunga Warriors, education and their basketball family, Kane Pitman, Basketball Australia, (21 March 2021). Known and respected for his longstanding work with Indigenous communities, Dion Devow had a lightbulb moment watching his children play basketball back in 2014. While the passion for the game among Indigenous youth is strong, Devow wondered if a central club for players to form a basketball family of their own would be beneficial. “I thought it might be good to have a club that was based around Aboriginal people and culture but was also inclusive and had reconciliation as a key theme,” Devow recalls.

Welcoming Indigenous Australians into your Association, Basketball Victoria, (201?). This resource has been developed to assist associations to create inclusive and welcoming environments through internal growth and education, understanding as well as building relationships with the local community and partnering with key organisations to build sustainability and retention. The resource does not attempt to explain any current public debate in Indigenous affairs. However, it is important to know and understand the history of Australia’s First People and European settlement to effectively plan and sustain Indigenous participation in basketball.

Cricket Australia (CA). Cricket Australia has a long and proud involvement in Indigenous sport starting with the selection of the First XI in 1868 through to today with the national Imparja Cup and National Indigenous Cricket Championships.

• Indigenous Cricket: State of the Game, Cricket Australia, (2015). Provides an overview of Indigenous cricket programs and strategies.
• Indigenous Cricket: For the Love of the Game. Cricket Australia (CA) and ANU have released For the Love of the Game, a research project investigating the history and participation of Indigenous people in the sport of cricket.
• Barefoot Circle. The barefoot circle is a cricket centric way for players and teams to take a moment prior to matches to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land, connect to each other as opponents and pay respect to the country (land). This is done barefoot as a way to connect to country, but also a moment to reflect that we are all common ground, we are all human beings and we need to stand strong with each other, for each other. The circle is often part of pre-series activities and has started in Reconciliation Round as a stance of anti-racism, commitment to reconciliation and strength together.
• Reconciliation Round. The second Reconciliation Round for Community and Premier clubs for the 2021/22 season will take place on 19 and 20 February 2022. Cricket Australia encourages clubs around Australia to celebrate and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples and cultures on that weekend.

Cricket Connecting Country, Cricket Australia, YouTube, (2020). A three-part series to begin our journey of truth telling, address racism in our game and celebrate Indigenous cultures and multiculturalism in Australia.

• Episode 1: Host Mel Jones OAM joins panellists Dr Janine Mohamed, Nyadol Nyuon, Daniel Christian and Rachael Haynes. (9 September 2020).
• Episode 2: Host Mel Jones OAM joins panellists Jason 'Dizzy' Gillespie, Azeem Rafiq, Benjamin Thompson and Tamika Sadler. (27 October 2020).
• Episode 3: Host Mel Jones OAM joins panellists Ashleigh Gardner and Hannah Darlington. (12 November 2020).
• Christian opens up about 'casual racism' in cricket, Martin Smith, Cricket.com.au, (9 September 2020). Prominent cricketers and social activists discuss the Black Lives Matter movement and systemic racism in Australia in first episode of Cricket Connecting Country.
• The significance and story behind Australia's T20 Indigenous kit, Cricket Australia, YouTube, (3 December 2020). Mitchell Starc discusses the significance of the Indigenous shirt the men's team will wear in the Dettol T20s and Aunty Fiona Clarke explains the story behind the special design.

Harmony in Cricket. With funding and support from VicHealth, Cricket Victoria developed its Harmony in Cricket Program to encourage Indigenous peoples to play cricket. This program has contributed to a 39% growth in the number of people playing cricket for the first time and a 5% increase in grass roots club cricket participants.

The Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA) funds and undertakes Indigenous development in partnership with the Indigenous Ultimate Association (IUA) (Aboriginal Corporation ICN:7318). We have jointly established an Indigenous Ultimate Frisbee Development Program, which plans and executes projects aimed at developing Ultimate Frisbee among Indigenous communities and people.

Indigenous Ultimate Association (IUA). Encouraging more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to play Ultimate.

Football Federation Australia (FFA). The FFA launched the Indigenous Football Development Strategy in August 2020. The strategy aims to build on successful initiatives of recent years, ensuring that football is accessible and enjoyable for all Australians. The key priority areas of the Indigenous Football Development Strategy are to: maximise Indigenous football participation opportunities; identify and develop talented indigenous footballers; and, use football as a vehicle to positively impact social development issues, such as education, employment and health

• National Indigenous Advisory Group. A key advisory body for Football Australia, the National Indigenous Advisory Group comprises of nine (9) First Nations community members from diverse cultures, experiences, and intersectionality, who are driving change in a variety of areas; professional and grassroots football, media, academia, and government.

John Moriarty Football, (accessed 4 May 2021). JMF is named for co-founder, John Moriarty, the first Aboriginal player selected to play football for Australia. It is a transformational skills mastery program for 6-18 year olds that uses football (soccer) for talent and positive change, improving school attendance and achieving resilient, healthier outcomes in Indigenous communities. JMF is a permanent presence in the communities where we operate. We deliver 5-6 days per week to primary and secondary school children, with equal participation of boys and girls, through in-school and after school sessions, school holiday clinics and tournaments.

• Football's Indigenous Engagement: State of Play, Professional Footballers Australia for John Moriarty Football, (2018). The purpose of this document is to benchmark the progress being made by other sports to highlight football’s missed opportunity, and to call for a reignition of football’s Indigenous engagement.

Indigenous Football Australia. Launched in March 2021 Indigenous Football Australia is guided by an expert Advisory Council and in partnership with UNICEF Australia. It's aim is to unlock the potential of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, their families and communities across Australia. IFA will broaden the benefits of John Moriarty Football to create more equitable access to the great game of football for grassroots and elite players. Through football, IFA’s goal is to create sustainable social change and provide pathways to improved physical and mental health, wellbeing, education and community engagement for Indigenous girls and boys, families and communities.

Golf Australia have developed an Action Plan which covers each of the 7 Pillars of Inclusion in detail and provides practical short, medium and long-term examples of how golf clubs can implement this Framework into your club’s operational and strategic environment.

• Clubs and Facilities Inclusion Action Plan (November 2020). Increasing engagement with our Indigenous community will provide an opportunity for the sport to make a contribution towards closing the gap on the inequalities which exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We encourage all clubs and organisations within the sector to embrace the Seven Pillars of Inclusion framework that is explained in this plan. This framework provides a starting point for all clubs to assess their strengths and weakness, and develop strategies to begin the journey towards real inclusion.
• Indigenous and Multicultural Community Guides (November 2020). The following guides are intended to be used with the Inclusion Action Plan for Clubs and Facilities and the Population Data Tables. The guides give specific information on: Population data; Cultural protocols; Barriers to golf participation; Key strategies to increase engagement; Festivals, events and holidays; Community groups; and, Media for Indigenous, Chinese, Indian and Islamic communities.
• Indigenous and Multicultural Detailed Market Data (May 2019).

Aspire to be Deadly, Cairns Hockey, (accessed 11 March 2022). A sport for development program delivered through Cairns Hockey with 14 years experience supporting social inclusion programs across regional and remote communities in Torres Strait, Cape York, Gulf Savannah, and Cairns Region Far North Queensland. Aspire to be Deadly aims to increase awareness, understanding and respect for the indigenous culture of First Nation People of Australia. It will prioritize capability and capacity building targeting indigenous young women and girls with a focus on education, well-being, employment, and leadership opportunities LIVE WELL, LEARN WELL, LEAD WELL using the sport of hockey as a vehicle to drive these positive social outcomes.

Racing Together. In line with the global policy on diversity and inclusion of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Garry and Monique Connelly have privately launched and sponsored Racing Together to show Indigenous boys and girls aged between 12 and 16 a way into Motorsport for careers or just recreation. Racing Together has already secured support from the national governing body, Motorsport Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation Gunya Meta and prominent motorsport identities, including Bathurst 1000 winner and young-driver mentor Paul Morris. Indigenous community leaders and professional advisors have backed the project.

• Diversity projects offer Indigenous enthusiasts motorsport path, Motorsport Australia, (24 August 2020). An innovative project to help young indigenous Australian people develop careers in motorsport has been launched in Queensland with the backing of leading racing identities and Logan-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation Gunya Meta. Racing Together will start in Queensland this October with a pilot program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and boys aged between 12 and 16, but organisers hope it eventually will become a national program offering a place in the prestigious Ferrari Academy.
• Indigenous crew selected for 2021 Racing Together program, Motorsport Australia, (26 October 2020). Racing Together has officially selected 11 Queensland based teenagers to form part of its program in next year’s Queensland based X3 Circuit Excel Racing Series. With more than 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teenage candidates completing a variety of assessments aimed at testing their driving and mechanical abilities at Norwell Motorplex Driving Centre over the weekend, the selected 11 will now develop and build a car for the series with two of the group to get behind the wheel.

Netball's declaration of commitment, Netball Australia, (29 September 2020). Netball’s peak organisations have pledged to take significant action to break down the barriers that have prevented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, coaches, umpires and administrators from flourishing in the sport.

• Netball's Declaration of Commitment document (September 2020).

Netball Queensland

• Diamond Spirit, (accessed 11 March 2022). Diamond Spirit is a holistic community engagement programme, which uses netball as a vehicle to engage, empower, and educate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in remote and regional communities across Queensland.
• Netball Queensland establishes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, (2 February 2021). The committee comprises Sharon Finnan-White OAM, Beryl Friday, Leeonee Thompson, Craig Williams, Bo De La Cruz, and Chenoa Masters. This group possesses a wealth of experience in high performance, player pathways, organisational culture, finance and cultural knowledge that will provide invaluable support to Netball Queensland and the broader netball community. “The formation of this group is formal recognition of the need to fundamentally improve netball’s engagement with First Nations peoples and address the underlying barriers affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, coaches, umpires and administrators.”

Netball Western Australia

• The Aboriginal Youth Gala Day (accessed 10 March 2022) forms part of one of the key community Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events in the Netball WA calendar and provides all junior Aboriginal participants with the opportunity to showcase their skills in a competitive environment. This round robin carnival signifies the official commencement of the Netball WA Aboriginal Grassroots Netball Program. It provides an opportunity for all players and coaches from across the state to come together to participate and enjoy the culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in netball.
• NAIDOC Netball Carnival (accessed 10 March 2022) is held annually at the Gold Netball Centre and Matthews Netball Centre (WA). The NAIDOC Netball Carnival is both an opportunity to introduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers to competitive netball, as well as a platform to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The age divisions include Suncorp NetSetGO, 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, four open divisions, and a Mixed and Masters division.

Shooting Stars, (accessed 11 March 2022). Shooting Stars is an educational program that uses sport and other tools to encourage greater school engagement amongst young Aboriginal girls and women. We empower Aboriginal girls and women in regional and remote communities to make informed choices about their education and employment journey, helping them strive for the stars.

Rumbalara Football Netball Club (Rumbalara FNC) is an Aboriginal community run sporting club located in Shepparton, Victoria. It is dedicated to strengthening the community and bringing families together through strong vibrant leadership. It is a place of belonging, a place that people of all ages and backgrounds can call their own.

Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council (ALRIC). Oversees the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan, ensures that views and ideas of Indigenous peoples are incorporated from across the game. Programs include:

• Indigenous Round. NRL Indigenous Round aims to highlight significant social issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is also an opportunity for the game to cement our commitment to the Indigenous community and celebrate the unique relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and rugby league.
• All Stars. Rugby League celebrates Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori excellence both on and off the field.
• School to Work. An education and employment program. The NRL utilises the positive profile of the game of Rugby League to support young Indigenous Australians with work experience, mentoring and leadership opportunities to ensure they successfully complete school and transition into further study, training or meaningful employment.
  • Record number of NRL School to Work graduates for 2020, NRL.com, (25 November 2020). A record 500 students graduated from the NRL School to Work program across NSW, Queensland and Victoria in 2020 despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn Earn Legend, Cowboys Community Foundation, (accessed 7 May 2021). The Learn Earn Legend! program aims to provide Indigenous students enrolled in years 11 and 12 at participating North Queensland schools with the support they need to complete their secondary education and move into further study, training or employment. The program taps into an extensive network of corporate and education partners to assist students to establish their career pathways, become work-ready and improve the school-to-work transition.

Rugby Australia. Rugby Australia acknowledges and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as the oldest living continuous culture in this world and pays respect to First Australians’ ongoing connection to the lands and waters of this country.

• #dreamBigTime. Rugby Australia is on a mission to unearth Indigenous talent aged 14 - 24 across the country.
• Lloydies. The Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team - or 'Lloydies' was founded more than 20 years ago with a mission to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in Rugby.
• Ella 7s. The marquee event for Indigenous Sevens Rugby is the Ella7s, named after the famed Ella Brothers - Gary, Glen and Mark. The Ella 7s is the flagship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Rugby Union 7s tournament, that attracts around 400 athletes, 20 state class referees and ball boys, and over 20 officials from Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Union and LMRDT.

Queensland Reds - Indigenous Program (QRIP). The Queensland Rugby Union Indigenous Program isn’t about playing rugby, but designed to identify, support and grow our future Indigenous leaders. It is more than just turning up, but going above and beyond to demonstrate excellence through participation in activities encouraging students to achieve their full learning potential, using positive role models and incentives for ongoing engagement. Programs include:

• Future Indigenous Leaders Program. With the support of Rio Tinto and the communities of Cherbourg and Woorabinda, the QRU deliver the Future Indigenous Leaders Program (FILP) in these communities. The FILP aims to identify students in these communities from grade 6 who show potential leadership qualities. From here, students are mentored through to grade 10 to ensure they maintain attendance above 95%, consistently show positive behaviour at school, on social media and in the wider community.
• Reds Generation Next (formerly Learn Earn Legend). Reds Generation Next (RGN) works with students through the later stages of high school focusing on improving school attendance and retention rates as well as year 12 or equivalent attainment. The program also centres on building aspiration and transition opportunities by continuing to mentor and support students in their preferred pathway for their first year post school graduation.

Australian national anthem sung in a First Nations language before Wallabies-Pumas rugby Test, ABC News, (6 December 2020). Wallabies players have sung the Australian national anthem in both Eora language and English ahead of the Tri Nations Test against Argentina at the Western Sydney Stadium. Olivia Fox led the rendition in Eora, with the Wallabies players also singing. It was the first time the national anthem had been performed in a First Nations language at a Wallabies Test.

Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program. The Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program is the key initiative of Surfing Victoria’s Indigenous Strategic Pillar and is one of the longest running Indigenous engagement programs in the country. Now in its 21st year, the program uses Surfing as a way to connect Indigenous Victorians with the ocean whilst learning new skills, water safety knowledge and healthy habits. Strong Aboriginal community leadership and engagement in culturally safe and engaging environments that are inclusive, respectful and flexible are they core values of the program to ensure its success.

• Surfing Victoria and Strong Brother Strong Sister sign strategic partnership, Surfing Australia, (12 November 2020). Strong Brother, Strong Sister is a culturally appropriate safe place for Aboriginal young people to access and thrive. The structure and programs within the space guide, mentor and empower Aboriginal young people to achieve excellence. The outcomes from these programs not only guide, mentor and empower Aboriginal young people, they also improve Aboriginal young people’s health and wellbeing. The partnership is based around surf programs for Indigenous Youth utlising both organisations expertise in Indigenous engagement, water safety, health promotion and cultural awareness.

Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles, (accessed 11 March 2022). The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl is a gathering of Indigenous Surfers from across the country on the traditional land of the Wada Wurrung people at Bells Beach on Victoria’s Surf Coast. The event, which began in 2012, includes divisions of Open Men, Open Women, Junior Boys, Junior Girls, Longboard and Masters Men.

Irukandjis, Surfing Australia, (17 March 2021). In a historic moment for Australian Surfing, a new team name and identity was unveiled on March 17th, 2021 at the Novotel in Manly for Australia’s national surf team. The much-anticipated new namesake and tagline was revealed to be ‘The Irukandjis: Deadly in the Water’, after the Irukandji jellyfish – an extremely venomous species of jellyfish that inhabit Australian marine waters.The Irukandjis name was generously gifted to Surfing Australia by the local Yirrganydji people of North Queensland, driven by the efforts of Indigenous athlete and former World Tour surfer, Soli Bailey.

• Surfing Australia Launches ‘Welcome To Sea Country’ Film For Reconciliation Week via BWM dentsu, (8 June 2021). In honour of First Nations people, Surfing Australia has launched a short film during Reconciliation Week explaining the Indigenous meaning of the Irukandji name and design for our Australian Surfing Team, soon heading to the Olympic Games.

Tennis Australia in conjunction with its Member Associations want to continue to provide more accessibility and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to participate and engage in tennis through educating clubs and coaches, enhancing talent identification, providing pathway opportunities, creating more playing opportunities through community events and tournaments and providing funding for Indigenous tennis programs, equipment and coaches. Initiatives include:

• National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is held at the Darwin International Tennis Centre, The carnival celebrates youth, culture, music, food and sport through the delivery of tennis, cultural activities and workshops.

Australia's Indigenous tennis coach empowers youth on search for next superstar, Mark Rigby, ABC Far North, (19 May 2016). Australia's first Indigenous male tennis player to play on centre court at Wimbledon is travelling the country to promote tennis to Indigenous youth.

Tennis NT - Racquets and red dust, Northern Visuals Australia, YouTube, (6 April 2021). Provides an overview of some of the features of the Racquets and Red Dust program which aims to introduce 600 Aboriginal youth living in remote communities to tennis. Some more information about the program is available as part of Tennis NT's Reconciliation Action Plan.

• Indigenous Nationals, Unisport Australia, (accessed 11 March 2022). National Indigenous Tertiary Education Student Games (NITESG) began in 1996 as a joint class project between 13 students enrolled in a Diploma of Aboriginal Studies (Community Recreation) at the then Wollotuka School for Aboriginal Studies, The University of Newcastle. Now referred to as Indigenous Nationals, the event is a week-long multisport competition for indigenous student-athletes. The annual event aims to bring together student-athletes from universities across Australia to compete in a variety of sports and ultimately crown one university team the champion of the games. In 2022, Indigenous Nationals will be held from 26-30 June, and will be contested in a mixed competition across four sports: touch football, basketball, netball, and volleyball.

Indigenous wrestling, Wrestling Australia, (accessed 11 March 2022). Aboriginal people have practices wrestling since mankind first appeared in Australia, according to current scientific estimates this is over 70,000 years ago, although the Dreaming tells us that human beings were created insitu and therefore are truly indigenous to the land. Includes some background on Indigenous wrestling and a list of First Nations wrestlers who have competed in national and international competitions.

• First Nations Liaison Officer, Wrestling Australia, (12 November 2020). Wrestling Australia is happy to announce that Stephan Jaeggi has been appointed as the Wrestling Australia First Nations Liaison Officer.

In May 2015 members at the AOC Annual General Meeting unanimously voted to amend the AOC Constitution to recognise Australia’s first people, as first recommend by AOC President John Coates in November 2014.

• AOC changes constitution to recognise indigenous heritage, (21 May 2015). Members at the Australian Olympic Committee Annual General Meeting in Sydney have unanimously voted to amend the Constitution to recognise the nation’s first people.
• Indigenous heritage recognised in AOC Constitution, (9 November 2014). The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has changed its constitution to recognise indigenous heritage.

The new passage in the AOC Constitution reads: "To recognise the heritage, culture and contribution of our nation’s first people, and to give practical support to indigenous reconciliation through sport."

Additionally, the wording of the Team values—developed by the AOC Athletes’ Commission—were also amended, specifically the RESPECT value: "RESPECT - I respect sport, the efforts of my competitors, my team mates and officials. I respect Australia and its indigenous heritage. I respect our nation’s past and the spirit of Olympism."

In 2021 the Constitution was further amended to require at least one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander representative on the AOC Athletes' Commission.

Indigenous Australian Olympians, Australian Olympic Committee, (accessed 11 March 2022). Australia has been represented by 59 Indigenous athletes at the Summer Olympic Games and by one Indigenous athlete at the Winter Olympic Games.

• NAIDOC WEEK 2020: Always Was, Always Will Be - Australia's first Indigenous Olympians, Australian Olympic Committee, (8 November 2020). Sunday 8 November marks the first day of NAIDOC Week 2020 with its theme, 'Always Was, Always Will Be,' the perfect opportunity to remember our first Indigenous Olympians, who created history for their people and inspired Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to chase their dreams, whether they be Olympic or not.

'Where is the next Cathy?': AOC Indigenous committee searches for truth and talent, Phil Lutton, Sydney Morning Herald, (5 September 2020). Patrick Johnson means it when he says life is all about timing. The dual Olympian is the fastest Australian in history, having stopped the clock at 9.93 seconds for 100 metres in Japan in 2003. In his business, every fraction of a second counted. It's the same approach he has taken to his role at the head of a new Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) that has been set up to help recognise and celebrate the role of Indigenous Olympians, foster reconciliation through sport and put in place the pathways to try and unearth the next Cathy Freeman.

• Ron Clarke Griffith Futures Scholarship, (accessed 4 May 2021). A scholarship named in honour of a legend of Australian sport who was passionate about the Commonwealth Games and education provides financial support to two young Indigenous student athletes who are studying at Griffith University.
  • Inaugural recipients in 2021 were swimmer Bianca Crisp and netballer Beryl Friday.

Indigenous PWD & Sport, (accessed 11 March 2022). This web-section provides information and resources to help reduce chronic disease prevention and promote health and physical activity awareness and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people with disability.

Indigenous Health Education Program (2018-2020). This program featured a collaboration between Paralympics Australia and Outback Academy Australia, (a not-for-profit Aboriginal led organisation with a charter to increase participation of Indigenous Australians with disability across all areas of life, including sports and recreation. A grant was provided through the federal Department of Health’s Indigenous Australia’s Health Programme enabled Paralympic Australia to undertake a range of activities from 2018-20 developing targeted evidence based chronic disease prevention, health promotion and physical activity education resources and community events to address the increasing incidence of chronic disease in Indigenous people with disability in a culturally acceptable manner. The collaboration between these organisations has enabled Indigenous Australians with disability, alongside their peers with disability, including Paralympians, to deliver the community engagement programs across Australia.

The program engaged seven Community Controlled Organisations, and an estimated 273 Indigenous Australians, including people with disability (42), their family members and/or carers, and community members working in the education, health and disability sectors, who contributed to the following grant activity deliverables:

1. Research to gain a greater understanding about the health and other barriers to participation in physical activity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.
2. Online information and resources about chronic disease prevention and health and physical activity awareness to engage Indigenous Australians.
3. Five community engagement events nationally to work with Indigenous Australians with disability to focus on chronic diseases prevention and health and physical activity awareness and Paralympic pathway opportunities.
4. Evaluation and review of online resources to refine these activities and future projects that target Indigenous Australians.

The National Indigenous Sports Foundation (NISF) was launched in March 2022. The NISF was borne out of the National Indigenous Sports Summit held in Melbourne in 2017 where 80 black and white delegates from throughout Australia came together to discuss the problems confronting First Nations people in sport, and whether a national body would be a positive outcome.

The NISF will advocate for, and strive to achieve, better outcomes for Indigenous people within the sports industry, particularly in the area of health and well-being,

An immediate priority project for the NISF will be to conduct research into the status of Indigenous sport across metro, regional and remote communities. The project will identify what sport programs, facilities and resources are available and what the major barriers to participation are.

The NISF also wants to explore the possibility of creating a truly national, indigenous sports museum, and re-establishing the national aboriginal sports awards.

• Reconciliation Action Plan February 2019 - February 2020 [Reflect]
• Reconciliation Action Plan January - December 2018 [Respect]

• Athletics Australia Reconciliation Action Plan May 2019-May 2021 [Innovate]

• AFL - Reconciliation Action Plan April 2021-March 2023 [Innovate]
• AFL NSW/ACT - Reconciliation Action Plan March 2019-March 2021 [Innovate]
• Adelaide Crows 2nd Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan December 2020-December 2022 [Innovate]
• Fremantle Dockers Reconciliation Action Plan March 2020-February 2023 [Stretch]
• Geelong Football Club Reconciliation Action Plan January 2021-January 2023 [Innovate]
• Richmond Football Club Interim Reconciliation Action Plan January 2021-May 2022 [Elevate]

• Basketball Victoria - Reconciliation Action Plan March 2021-March 2023 [Innovate]
• Basketball Australia - Reconciliation Action Plan November 2020-November 2022 [Innovate]
• National Basketball League (NBL) - Reconciliation Action Plan November 2020-April 2022 [Reflect]
• Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames Reconciliation Action Plan November 2020-November 2021 [Reflect]

• Cricket Australia Reconciliation Action Plan December 2019-December 2022: Cricket Connecting Country [Stretch]

• Football Australia Reconciliation Action Plan Feb 2022-Feb 2023 [Reflect]

• Hockey Australia launches RAP Reference Group, Hockey Australia, (11 July 2021). The Reference Group will also provide input into the various programs Hockey Australia is undertaking to support Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people. Among the unique blend of people in the RAP Reference Group are importantly several proud Indigenous former and current hockey players. They include former Hockeyroo and Australia’s first Indigenous Olympic gold medallist Nova Peris and her daughter Destiny. Former Kookaburra Des Abbott plus current Indigenous Hockeyroos duo Mariah Williams and Brooke Peris are also in the Reference Group. The other members are Suzanne Henderson (Hockey Victoria GM - Game Development), Tyler Lovell (Kookaburras goalkeeper and HA Commercial Partnerships Manager), Michael Johnston (HA GM - Strategy & Game Development), Kate Jenner (current Hockeyroo), Julie McNeil & Jess Fatowna (Cairns Hockey Aspire to be Deadly), Emilie Hall (Hockey ACT Participation & Inclusion Coordinator) and Gina Archer.

• Netball NSW Reconciliation Action Plan August 2021-August 2022 [Reflect]
• An organisation's journey on developing a Reconciliation Action Plan, Julia Symons, 2016 Diversity and Inclusion Forum, Play by the Rules, (2016). Julia Symons from Netball Australia talks about the OneNetball Program and their journey toward a Reconciliation Action Plan.

• Australian Rugby League Commission - Reconciliation Action Plan 2018-2022 [Elevate]
• Gold Coast Titans Reconciliation Action Plan September 2020-September 2023 [Stretch]
• St. George Illawarra Dragons Reconciliation Action Plan May 2021-May 2023 [Innovate]
• Sydney Roosters Reconciliation Action Plan December 2019-December 2021 [Innovate]

• Touch Football Australia Reconciliation Action Plan October 2021-2022 [Reflect]
  • Touch Football Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Panel, Touch Football Australia, (28 May 2021). Touch Football has an Indigenous participation rate of around 7% and Touch Football Australia (TFA) is committed to supporting these participants in our sport and growing that participation rate even further. Touch Football Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Panel members cover a range of member types within our sport.

• Australian Olympic Committee - Reconciliation Action Plan June 2021-June 2022 [Reflect]

• VicHealth - Reconciliation Action Plan July 2020-June 2022 [Innovate]