When Reconciliation Australia decided last year that its 2020 National Reconciliation Week theme would be ‘In This Together’ it could not have predicted how powerfully it would resonate with the community at present.
Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fact that we can overcome adversity and achieve great things when we work together.
It might have taken an international health crisis to point that out to some, but the West Coast Eagles have known it to be true for a long time.
In fact, it is the reason the club has used the term ‘United’ as a pillar for its operations for several years and the driving force behind its relationship with Inclusion and Diversity Partner, BHP, who have championed their pursuit of equality by helping the club connect with regional, remote and indigenous communities by funding its award-winning community programs.
It is also why the Eagles were the first AFL club to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan.
And now, in support of National Reconciliation Week, we ask you to watch this video, where some of our players - including Tim Kelly, Alicia Janz, Liam Duggan and Courtney Guard - explain what reconciliation means to them.
West Coast Eagles general manager of community and game development Richard O’Connell said: “BHP has for decades championed reconciliation through its social investments and support to leading organisations such as Reconciliation Australia. In a similar way the West Coast Eagles have a consistent track record of celebrating Indigenous culture and role models. This new campaign, spoken through the voices of our AFL and AFLW players, is a wonderful collaboration which reinforces reconciliation across Australia.”
What is National Reconciliation Week?
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year: May 27 to June 3. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
