| | The Culture and Diversity Unit sits within the Community, Culture and Diversity Department of the Australian Rugby League Commission and plays a significant role in providing increased opportunities for Australians from multicultural backgrounds to participate in programs and initiatives linked with ‘whole of community’ outcomes, and further support and guidance to the game at all levels pertaining multicultural issues.
We achieve this by working with the local community to identify the areas of need and aligning this with the resources made available within the game, and utilising the high profile of rugby league, its players and Ambassadors within the Australian community.
The Unit administers the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council which acts as the formal Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group for the game as well as the government and non-government partnerships where we effectively work via a coordinated approach to make a difference at the grassroots, community level.
Our flagship event is the nationally recognised Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars game, synonymous with the Learn Earn Legend! campaign, which highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) issues and showcases the continuous contributions Indigenous Australians make to the game across the board. Revenue raised is directly invested back into community-owned programs and initiatives, particularly linked with increased awareness and support for women.
Involvement in our programs can lead to national recognition at the One Community Awards Ceremony during Rugby League’s Grand Final week celebrations each year.
As diversity within Australia’s cultural society increases, Rugby League is best positioned to actively use sport as a positive influence and tool to build cohesive, sustainable and safer communities; improve the socio and economic disadvantage experienced by a larger number of Australians and improve the overall health and wellbeing of individuals from diverse cultural groups.
Please visit our galleries page where photos and video have been taken of the participants in our programs and keep up-to-date with all the latest news. | |