Teams learn the value of cultural awareness for communityPeter Hanlon
February 17, 2011BRENDON Gale considers himself lucky to have learnt a little Aboriginal history while growing up in Tasmania, even if the content often didn't paint his home state in the best light. As far as AFL football has come in embracing indigenous Australia, he knows there is much more to be done.
All of Richmond's off-field staff, from chief executive Gale through to the football department, went to school this week in a bid to boost cultural awareness in a club whose commitment to inclusion will be writ large in an Indigenous Institute of Development and Learning due to open at its redeveloped Punt Road headquarters next month.
''It's important that we have an understanding of indigenous history, of culture, that it's embedded in our organisation,'' Gale said yesterday. ''The transition, understanding the challenges these kids have to face, the road humps they have to cross, is an important part of that process.''
Troy Taylor is the sole indigenous player on the Tigers' list after Richard Tambling's departure for Adelaide, and 2010 rookies Relton Roberts and Alroy Gilligan were also cut. Gale acknowledges a proud history, through the likes of Maurice Rioli, Phil Egan and Michael Mitchell, and says greater understanding is a responsibility all at the club are keen to embrace.
''The most important asset you have is your people, as players or staff. People are different, they come from different backgrounds and they respond differently.
''I think we do it very well as an industry, but I think we can all improve. There's many ways you can bring this to life in an organisation, about tolerance, respect and understanding.''
The Sport and Recreation Victoria program has been used across a range of sports seeking to better engage communities, from AFL down to local football clubs, cricket, tennis, softball and canoeing.
State co-ordinator Rob Hyatt said the program, which begins with an Australian history from an Aboriginal perspective, hoped to arm football clubs with better awareness in dealing with indigenous players and their communities.
''I think a lot more people are becoming aware of the broader community issues that are out there, whether it's indigenous or merely multicultural, the social issues that influence people's lives,'' Hyatt said.
Melbourne's Aaron Davey this week praised the Demons for their embrace and understanding of their indigenous players. The club has been enriched by its handling of issues such as Liam Jurrah's ties to his remote community of Yuendumu in the Northern Territory, and the passing of Austin Wonaeamirri's father Matthew last November.
Chief executive Cameron Schwab said they were learning all the time, and had particular praise for the contribution of welfare officer Ian Flack. Schwab said the key was involvement in the players' communities and lives.
''It's done now in a way that no one's trying, it's a very natural thing,'' said Schwab, who has visited Yuendumu twice with president Jimmy Stynes, and was among a group of Demons including players and coach Dean Bailey who attended Matthew Wonaeamirri's funeral on Melville Island.
''You have enough understanding to know it's the right thing to do, out of respect. There's a richness that's associated with it, but there's a complexity as well. We're taking young leaders out of communities to come and play football for us, and that leaves a void in those communities.''
Collingwood's recognition of Leon Davis's need for time away from the club after the stabbing death of his cousin in Perth last month, even if it compromised his pre-season, is another example of the shift in the landscape.
Gale said the lessons of this week's program confirmed there was nothing football and its clubs could do to change the past, which merely highlighted the need to seek understanding and knowledge in the future.
''We don't have all the answers, but we've got an open mind, I know we've got an open heart, we're good people and we're open to learning,'' Gale said. ''We're getting better at how we manage all our people.''
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/teams-learn-the-value-of-cultural-awareness-for-community-20110216-1awl0.html
