Reconciliation Action Plan for Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

In a nationwide first for Australian events, a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) will be developed for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Curtis Pitt made the announcement at the Dreamworld Corroboree to mark the start of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June).

“National Reconciliation Week is an important time for all Queenslanders to come together to reflect, commemorate and celebrate the State’s Indigenous culture and heritage,” he said.

“This year’s national theme — It’s time to change it up — calls for everyone to take a fresh approach, take action and spark a change in schools, workplaces and in the broader community.

“The Palaszczuk Government is putting this philosophy into action with the creation of a Reconciliation Action Plan for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“The plan will have a specific focus on enabling Indigenous arts and cultural businesses to benefit from the games, as well as providing employment opportunities.”

Mr Pitt said as winner of the Queensland 2014 Premier’s Award for Reconciliation, Dreamworld Corroboree had a proven track record of success in delivering Indigenous training and employment opportunities in the tourism sector.

“Since opening in February 2014, Dreamworld Corroboree has created 17 Indigenous jobs, hosted the first Tourism Masterclass on Indigenous employment and is the first theme park in Australia to deliver a Reconciliation Action Plan,” he said.

“It epitomises the spirit of National Reconciliation Week, which also includes today’s anniversary of the 1967 referendum which included Indigenous Australians in the census and Mabo Day on 3 June in celebration of the landmark native title decision by the High Court.”

Minister for the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones encouraged Indigenous Queenslanders to get involved in helping to create the GC2018 Reconciliation Action Plan.

“Queensland is setting the benchmark in Australia by developing the first Reconciliation Action Plan for a major event,” Ms Jones said.

“The plan will cover all four Games event sites - the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.”

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) CEO, Mark Peters said the development of a RAP represented an opportunity for GOLDOC to generate awareness and recognise Indigenous culture and respect for the Traditional Owners of the land.

“With this RAP we will show leadership by increasing our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture so we can continue to respect the values, cultures and heritage of Australia’s First Peoples,” Mr Peters said.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548