Queensland Cricket (QC) is proudly observing National Reconciliation Week 2025 as it approaches a major milestone—the completion of its first-ever Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), with a new plan set to launch later this year.
Under this year’s theme, “Bridging Now to Next,” QC is reflecting on a transformative 12-month period marked by progress and purpose, guided by its inaugural Innovate RAP.
Progress and plans for the future
Terry Svenson, CEO of Queensland Cricket and Co-Chair of the Queensland First Nations Cricket Advisory Committee (alongside Jason Smith), emphasized the importance of the moment:
“There has been solid progress with achieving our RAP goals, but we know there is more to be done. As well as providing our staff and players with an opportunity to reflect on the messages from Reconciliation Week, it is also timely for us to continue to prepare for our next steps.”
Svenson added that the RAP provided a strong foundation and has enabled QC to confidently plan future actions that can create meaningful impact.
Celebrating on and off the field
One of the key highlights during the RAP period was the performance of the Queensland men’s and women’s teams at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, hosted on Yuwibara Country in Mackay for the first time.
Queensland’s men’s team captured the national title—its first since 2013—while the women’s team finished as runners-up. Players from both squads will share their experiences at QC’s Staff All-In event this week.
Key RAP initiatives and cultural integration
Since the June 2023 RAP launch, QC has introduced or enhanced several impactful initiatives:
- Repurposed Eddie Gilbert Program to drive entry-level cricket in First Nations communities
- Delivered First Nations Woolworths Cricket Blast clinics
- Hosted First Nations Rounds in both the KFC BBL and Weber WBBL featuring Indigenous musicians and artists
- Funded Indigenous health and well-being programs through the Queensland Cricket Foundation, supporting events like the Stan Alberts Shield and the Western Rivers Cup
- Established Premier Cricket First Nations rounds as an annual fixture
- Named the northern end of Allan Border Field the “Eddie Gilbert End” in a formal ceremony with family members
- Launched a Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricket scholarship scheme
- Integrated First Nations artwork into State representative playing apparel
- Offered cultural awareness learning opportunities to staff, including participation in NRW and NAIDOC Week events
With Reconciliation Week running through next Tuesday, QC continues its commitment to cultural respect, participation, and opportunity through cricket across Queensland.
