Photo Credit: Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia (CA) has today launched its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and second ‘Stretch’ RAP, outlining a comprehensive strategy to achieve its vison for reconciliation – where cricket is renowned as an inclusive sport where everyone belongs.
This ‘Stretch’ RAP, focusing on high impact commitments, marks a significant milestone in CA’s decade-long journey towards reconciliation. It was launched on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country, against the backdrop of the National Indigenous Cricket Training Camp at the MCG.
Through considered internal and external, symbolic and practical actions, CA will foster respectful and inclusive environments on and off the pitch.
Building on the successes of previous plans, CA has outlined a series of initiatives to deepen engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across all aspects of cricket.
Some of the key commitments made in CA’s ‘Stretch’ RAP, include:
- Increase awareness of cricket’s unique connection with Aboriginal peoples via the 1866 and 1868 First XI teams.
- 100% of staff to undertake cultural learning to increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights learning.
- Sustainably strengthen opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to play, attend and follow cricket, including:
- Doubling investment through participation growth funding streams for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricket engagement activities to 10% by 2027. This includes programs delivered with the Ashleigh Gardner Foundation.
- Delivering the National Indigenous Cricket Training Camp and the National Indigenous Cricket Championships with thanks to the support of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation.
- Partnering with NITV to celebrate Indigenous excellence in cricket, bringing the 2025 National Indigenous Cricket Championships finals to all Australians.
- Participating in an international competition featuring the Australian Indigenous Women’s or Men’s team. This will be supported through CA’s partnership with the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program.
- Increase in representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to 3% of overall employee numbers.
- Increase by 5% year-on-year spend with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
Beyond external initiatives, CA is committed to acknowledging our complex history and celebrating the continuing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our game and representing equality and equity.
The organisation will focus on improving principles of engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, cultural learning, employment and professional development outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, cultural health and wellness support and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity, to support improved economic and social outcomes.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer, Nick Hockley said:
“Cricket Australia is committed to building a more inclusive and respectful sport for all Australians.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are integral to the Australian cricket story, past, present and future and we believe that cricket has the ability to connect communities and help foster deeper cultural understanding.
“I would like to thank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, coaches, mentors, and staff for their candid and invaluable feedback, Reconciliation Australia for their guidance, CA’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cricket Advisory Group for their leadership and CA’s RAP Working Group for their dedication to identifying and prioritising impactful actions to deliver meaningful reconciliation outcomes.”
NATSICAG Co-Chair Justin Mohamed (Gooreng Gooreng) said:
“CA’s commitment to reconciliation is a testament to its dedication to creating a more inclusive sport. We are proud of the progress made so far, but we recognise this is a journey and there is more work to do.
“By continuing to listen, lean and grow, we can ensure that cricket remains a sport that truly reflects the diversity and richness of Australian culture.”
RAP Ambassadors, Gulidjan man Scott Boland and Kamilaroi woman Hannah Darlington were also engaged throughout the development and provided input into the RAP artwork.
Artist Ky-ya Nicholson Ward (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, Ngurai Illum Wurrung) was commissioned to create an original artwork for CA’s RAP.
Kamilaroi woman Hannah Darlington said:
“As an Aboriginal cricketer, I’ve been fortunate to progress through the ranks and reach this level, but I recognise the barriers that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face in accessing opportunities within the sport. By being a RAP Ambassador, I hope to contribute to actionable solutions that foster understanding and inclusivity.
“Ky-ya’s artwork, a powerful visual narrative, symbolises unity and inclusion. The artwork pays homage to the First Nations cricketers of the past, acknowledging their struggles and celebrating their achievements.”
Click here to view Cricket Australia’s RAP
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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.
