After working closely with the AOC’s Indigenous Advisory Committee for more than 12 months, the Innovate RAP represents the AOC’s deepening commitment to reconciliation - achieving meaningful change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities through sport.

The plan was launched at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern this morning. 

AOC President Ian Chesterman says the launch of the Innovate RAP follows the successful completion of the AOC’s first “Reflect” RAP and provides the opportunity to maintain the momentum, off the back of last month’s statement of support for the Indigenous Voice to the Federal Parliament.

“The beauty of the RAP process is the commitment to delivering real outcomes and then setting new goals so we can make a difference.

“The AOC’s vision is a nation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians walk together in unity in a reconciled Australia. The support of our Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC), chaired by Patrick Johnson has been central to bringing that vision to life. That message of “walking together” is so critical.

“As in Tokyo, Olympian Kyle Vander-Kuyp, a proud Worimi and Yuin man, will provide support on the ground for Indigenous Olympians in Paris as well as inform and engage with non-Indigenous Team members. In Tokyo, a record 16 Indigenous athletes represented Australia, bringing the total of known Indigenous Olympians to 60. Kyle’s presence in Tokyo was invaluable for those athletes and the broader Team. His impact in Paris, now in the elevated role of Deputy Chef de Mission, will be even greater.

“We also unveiled the first Australian Olympians’ Oath prior to the Tokyo Games – an initiative of the AOC Athletes’ Commission, that carried an important Indigenous acknowledgement thanks to the exceptional level of cooperation between the Athletes’ Commission and the Indigenous Advisory Committee. Our Innovate RAP spells out a range of actions and plans that also includes the incorporation of First Nations’ designs in our Team apparel and competition wear for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Mr Chesterman concluded.

Olympian, proud Kaanju man and Chair of the IAC, Patrick Johnson said the AOC’s vision for reconciliation can be achieved through increased understanding and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights.

“All journeys have their challenges and hurdles. Reconciliation will be built on a social and cultural governance framework supported by appropriate and adequate investment, and that must be led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“We must be in a position to make decisions and be consulted across all levels. What has made me so optimistic about the AOC journey is the delivery of real outcomes and the great enthusiasm of my fellow Olympians to acquire a deep understanding of First Nations’ histories as well as celebrating our many cultures.

“My message is simple. Don’t walk in front of us, don’t walk behind us, walk with us. And through this RAP journey, that is what we are determined to do,” Mr Johnson said.

Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Officer Karen Mundine says the Innovate RAP is the chance for the AOC to build on the foundations of its strong foundations and relationships.

“I congratulate the AOC on these next steps. Our formal endorsement of the Innovate RAP reflects our confidence in the AOC’s capacity to expand its understanding of its core strengths and deepen its relationship with its community, staff, and stakeholders. By investigating and understanding the integral role it plays across its sphere of influence, the Australian Olympic Committee will create dynamic reconciliation outcomes, supported by and aligned with its business objectives,” Ms Mundine said.

AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll says the delivery of practical outcomes for Indigenous Australians is central to the AOC’s ambitions.

“Seeing first-hand, our AOC Indigenous Coaching Scholarship holders take children through their paces on Thursday Island, in conjunction with Indigenous Basketball Australia, supported by Toyota and with the assistance of the Royal Australian Air Force, has demonstrated the power of partnerships to effect real change. We will now look to roll out those coaching scholarships to other Olympic sports.

“The Innovate RAP sets the standard to do so much more. Taking Olympians to communities around the country to deliver that message of the power of sport to change lives. We are exploring the different ways our community programs can be delivered in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities, developing new initiatives with our family of commercial partners and working on how to assist our member sports on their own RAP journeys. These are all practical outcomes we will continue to focus on delivering,” Mr Carroll concluded.

AOC Reconciliation Timeline

• 2015 Change to AOC Constitution recognising the heritage, culture and history of Australia’s first peoples and to give practical support to Indigenous reconciliation through sport.
• 2019 Indigenous Advisory Committee established.
• 2021 AOC Constitution amended to provide enduring representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples on AOC Athlete’s Commission.
• 2021 AOC Reconciliation Action Plan “Reflect” undertaken.
• 2022 Work begins on AOC Reconciliation Action Plan “Innovate”.
• 2022 AOC completes pilot program to deliver coaching scholarships to Indigenous basketball coaches.
• 2023 AOC Executive and Athletes’ Commission pledge support for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
• 2023 AOC launches “Innovate” RAP.