Photo Credit: Queensland Cricket
Queensland Cricket has today released its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan, with the announcement highlighted by a significant acknowledgement at its Albion headquarters.
The launch of the Innovate RAP at Allan Border Field came as the Crosby Road end of the ground was officially unveiled as the Eddie Gilbert End, in tribute to the famed Queensland Aboriginal fast bowler from the 1930s.
The conferral of the naming rights at the venue was witnessed by Gilbert’s grandson Vernon James, as well as current Queensland Bulls and Queensland Fire players and coaching staff.
The RAP, which will be in place until May 2025, contains 16 actions with more than 71 deliverable outcomes that encompass all aspects of Queensland Cricket’s operations.
Acting CEO Liam Hibbert commended the staff and members of the Queensland First Nations Cricket Advisory committee that consulted with cricket and First Nations communities and individuals over the past 12 months to complete the RAP.
“Backed by our Board, CEO and staff, the RAP sets out our vision for Reconciliation, which is to inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout Queensland to unite and connect with non-Indigenous people through a love of cricket,’’ he said.
“But we acknowledge that this merely a beginning as we ensure that First Nations people know they are welcome and respected by Queensland Cricket.”
“The actions and outcomes contained within the plan touch every aspect of cricket in Queensland.”
“We are actively working to increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at all levels, starting with introductory Woolworths Cricket Blast game formats for boys and girls, community cricket opportunities as well as delivering Talent ID goals and a pathway to elite cricket.”
“The RAP aligns with Queensland Cricket’s Strategic Plan – 2022 to 2025 and its key strategic goals and we look forward to implementing it in full between now and 2025,” he said.
Queensland First Nations Cricket Advisory Committee Co-Chair Jason Smith expressed his satisfaction at the delivery of the State’s first RAP.
Smith, a member of the inaugural Indigenous Cricket Advisory Committee formed in 2003 and also a representative on Cricket Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cricket Advisory Committee, said the RAP provided a strong framework and voice for the future.
“It is exciting to see Queensland Cricket develop respect and understanding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Understanding our histories and cultures has been the key core value in creating this RAP,’’ he said.
“Sport has the power to heal and strengthen communities and our message of reconciliation can reach and resonate with many people,’’ Smith said.
The Eddie Gilbert End announcement completes this phase of the naming ceremonies for elements of the redeveloped Allan Border Field.
The two ends of the main playing arena are named after Eddie Gilbert and Katherine Raymont, with the Judy Harris Scoreboard, Graham Dixon Gates, Melissa Bulow Terraces, and Champions Corner (acknowledging Queensland’s victorious women’s teams) all recognised since the completion of the redevelopment as part of the National Cricket Campus project.
The Queensland Cricket Reconciliation Action Plan may be viewed online
RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN BACKGROUNDER
Reconciliation Australia is an independent not-for profit organisation, the lead body for reconciliation in Australia. It promotes and facilitates reconciliation by building relationships, respect and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Since 2006, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation.
Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
The four RAP types – Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate – allow organisations to continuously develop their reconciliation commitments.
An Innovate RAP runs for two years, and outlines actions for achieving an organisation’s vision for reconciliation.
It focuses on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
