The Western Bulldogs have officially launched its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), reaffirming the Club’s commitment to Indigenous Australia.

The ‘Innovate’ RAP comes after the successful completion of the Bulldogs’ first Reconciliation Action Plan document, which was launched in 2018.

The updated RAP contains 19 action items, each inclusive of several deliverables for the Club to work towards over the next two years, in areas relating to relationships, respect, governance and opportunities.

“We are excited to develop and launch our second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan,” said Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains.

“We are proud of the great strides we have taken on our RAP journey, completing several initiatives which support the pathway to reconciliation and in building stronger links with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“We look forward to strengthening our commitment through fulfilling the actions outlined in this RAP and through our unwavering dedication to supporting our diverse communities.”

The RAP launch event, held in the brand-new indoor training field at Whitten Oval, was attended by Western Bulldogs AFL and AFLW players, coaching and support staff, the administration staff, Club and Community Foundation board members headed by President Kylie Watson-Wheeler, and former First Nations players Lindsay Gilbee and Josh Carter.

The formalities were facilitated by Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung woman and Bulldogs Director Belinda Duarte, with the Acknowledgement of Country performed by two Club staff members - Boonwurrung woman Danielle Gower and Bidjara Wiradjuri woman Linda Peachey.

The creator of the RAP’s striking artwork - Tarni Jarvis, a Djab Wurrung and Gunditjmara artist working on Wadawurrung Country - was also in attendance to explain the significance of the design.

Bulldogs players Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Kirsty Lamb were part of a panel discussion, relaying their thoughts about how far the Club has come in their commitment and action for reconciliation, and their pride in representing First Nations people.

“To be able to celebrate all the progress we’ve made is so important,” Duarte said.

“That authentic sense of belonging, being seen and valued is fundamental to this space.

“Above all, I want us to feel that we are proud, brave individuals that stand for social justice. That we recognise that there is power in the collective and every day matters.

“Not just NAIDOC, not just Sir Doug Nicholls Round, not just Reconciliation week. Let’s make a powerful stand in this space and continue to be a football club we’re really proud of.”

>>> READ THE WESTERN BULLDOGS INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN