From the Australian Women’s Team to premier and community cricket clubs around Australia, Reconciliation Round will this weekend recognise, celebrate and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples and cultures through cricket.
This inaugural event will be an annual commemoration rising from Cricket Australia’s second Reconciliation Action Plan, launched in December 2019 and focus on ‘one consistent act’ where teams and umpires remove their shoes and join together in a barefoot circle.
The round will be highlighted by today’s CommBank T20 International fixture between Australia and England on Ngunnawal Country, at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
The Australian Women’s Team will also wear an Aboriginal-inspired uniform that pays homage to the 1868 Aboriginal cricket team and symbolises Australian Cricket’s commitment to reconciliation, developed by Aboriginal artists Aunty Fiona Clarke and Courtney Hagen and Cricket Australia’s official apparel partner, ASICS.
Cricket Australia CEO, Kevin Roberts said:
“As a demonstration of our commitment to a truly reconciled Australia, we launched our second Reconciliation Action Plan in December 2019. We consider this RAP a nationwide celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s contribution to the sport.
“We’re passionate about celebrating and recognising the heritage of the planet’s oldest living culture ensuring ongoing engagement, inclusion and awareness for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
“Reconciliation Round symbolises this commitment and an opportunity for clubs to join in the celebrations and bring to life locally what reconciliation means to them and their community.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP said:
“Nothing unites Australians more than our love and passion for sport.
“I commend Cricket Australia for embracing reconciliation in this way, and dedicating such an important fixture to promoting the role and place of Indigenous Australians in cricket, and the ongoing need to walk together towards a more unified future.”
Muruwari woman and Australian cricketer, Ashleigh Gardner said:
“I’m very proud of my Aboriginal heritage and to be able to represent my country and culture and lead Australian cricket in the celebration of this round is a significant moment for me the team.
“As part of the team that celebrated the 150th anniversary of the 1868 Aboriginal tour of England, I realise how powerful valuing culture through symbols like barefoot circles and uniforms can be about telling stories and raising awareness.
“I am really excited to see all of the photos and videos of clubs around the country forming barefoot circles to demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation.”
Today’s CommBank Women’s T20 International between Australia and England commences at 2.10pm AEDT and will be broadcast on Channel Seven.
Acknowledgement to Country
Cricket Australia acknowledges and pays respects to the hundreds of First Nations and Traditional Custodians of the land and waters encompassing where we are privileged to live, work and play the great game of cricket.
We recognise and celebrate their spiritual and ongoing connection to culture and Country.
We respectfully acknowledge all Elders past, present and emerging as we continue to cherish shared wisdom and grow with their guidance as we walk together toward a united Country.
Name of Author: Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia (CA), formerly the Australian Cricket Board (ACB), is the governing body for cricket in Australia. Established in 1905 as the Australian Board of Control for International Cricket, CA manages all national teams, including Men’s, Women’s, and Youth sides, as well as other national teams. It oversees the organization of Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is, and coordinates home international fixtures.
