After a consultative process with key stakeholders including our Indigenous Cultural Advisory Group, our member clubs and our playing group, the ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union has today pledged its support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Given the breadth of the ACT Brumbies community, and importantly that a process of consultation had not yet been conducted, the Board initially adopted a non-political or neutral position on the referendum. Regrettably, this has been interpreted in a way that does not reflect the values of our organisation or our clear commitment to reconciliation and fundamental support for the Indigenous Voice to parliament.
Richie Allan from the ACT Brumbies Indigenous Cultural Advisory Group said: “I commend the ACT Brumbies for committing their support for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.”
Mr. Allan, a highly respected member of the Ngunnawal community, also praised the efforts of the organisation, stating: "The Brumbies are leading the way in Australian Rugby in their commitment to reconciliation and furthering the lives of First Nations People through their Indigenous game day experience and thriving First Nations Pathways Program, and our hope as a collective is that this has been an opportunity to learn and grow, and that we may use this week to celebrate Indigenous culture through rugby.”
The Brumbies organisation commenced a strong commitment in 2018 to establishing and supporting the promotion of First Nations rugby programs and peoples across the capital region on Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri, Yuin, Ngarigo and Gundungurra Country embodied through the club’s Indigenous Game Day Experience, Indigenous Youth Activities and First Nations Pathways Program. All encouraging Indigenous boys and girls through rugby, unlocking their potential into the future.
The organisation will continue to work closely with the Brumbies Indigenous Cultural Advisory Group to gain crucial experience, nurture connections and deliver rewarding opportunities for young Indigenous men and women from across the ACT and Southern NSW.
ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union Chairman, Matt Nobbs said: “The board recognises that this is an important moment for Rugby and Australia to come together behind the Voice to Parliament. We are proud of our record and ongoing commitment to reconciliation and recognise that this referendum is an important step forward for our Nation and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“The ACT Brumbies are committed to playing an active part in raising awareness, recognising, and celebrating the unique role that Indigenous Australians have and continue to play in the life of our organisation our city and region.”
