What is a RAP?
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) turns good intentions into real actions. It’s about creating meaningful relationships, enhancing respect and promoting sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
The RAP program developed by Reconciliation Australia includes four types – Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate. Each offers a different level of engagement and support.
We proudly launched the club’s new Stretch RAP in 2019.
2019-2021 Stretch RAP
Our new Stretch RAP sets out our commitment to recognise and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This RAP has been developed by the RAP Working Group with contributions from staff and players across the club. In particular we appreciate the insights and support of Jodie Sizer, the first Indigenous person to be appointed to the Collingwood Football Club Board of Directors, and the contribution of Debby Lovett as our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs Manager.
Key elements of our Stretch RAP include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander round celebrations
- NAIDOC Week celebrations
- The Barrawarn Program
- Warumungu People’s Partnership (The Barkly region, NT)
- Community Sports Equipment Donation Program
- Cultural Awareness Training
- Magpies Next Generation Academy
- Dardi Munwurro Program (Ngarra Jarranounith Men’s Healing Program)
- Ganbina
- Skillinvest
- Collingwood player’s support
Artwork by Lea-Anne Miller
The cover design was painted by artist Lea-Anne Miller, sister-in-law of star player Travis Varcoe, and created in collaboration with Collingwood’s Graphic Designer Tom Hulse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs Manager, Debby Lovett.
The story behind Lea-Anne’s artwork comes from the tragic passing of Travis’ sister Maggie and it depicts the wave of support the Varcoe family received during this tough time.
The inner circle represents the players, united as one entity. The dots around the players represent the families, staff and those connected and supporting the team day to day. Much the same as a traditional camp motif, the outer circle and dots represent people coming together from different places within the Collingwood community, including fans and supporters.
In its entirety, this piece represents the rich community that provides unwavering support when one of our own is faced with hardship and a time of need.
2015-2016 Reflect RAP
Collingwood completed the initiatives of its first Reflect RAP in 2016 including:
- Establishment of a RAP Working Group
- Cultural Awareness Training for all staff and players
- Respect and Acknowledgment Initiatives
- Partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- The first Collingwood AFL Indigenous guernsey
- Appointment of Collingwood’s first Indigenous Program Manager
- The development of the Barrawarn Program
- Community Sports Equipment Donation Program
- Support from the Collingwood Football Club Foundation
We would like to recognise and acknowledge the wonderful support of club patron John Laidlaw, Heloise Pratt and The Pratt Foundation and CGU which enabled the completion of the Reflect RAP and has underpinned the continued development of the Barrawarn Program and its many partnerships and programs.
Artwork by Tammy Chatfield
Tammy Chatfield created the artwork for the Collingwood Football Club’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
Each element of the design represents:
- Feathers represent strength, communication and inclusion.
- The Yarra River represents the direction and course of the Yarra River from Victoria Park to the Holden Centre (old club to new club site).
- Circles represent ancestral knowledge that exists with the land.
- The magpie claw print represents a forward-looking direction by community and club.
Tammy says her identity is not limited to, but is inclusive of being a Kamilaroi woman, daughter, aunt, health practitioner, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, artist and teacher. She has worked in the areas of health, education and housing over a period of 20 years.
Her interests focus on anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology and the impact of herbs and food as medicine that contribute to ones’ wellbeing. Art and working in health contributes to the growth and expansion of her sense of self and belonging.
