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Looking to provide “leadership” in the sport, AFL club Hawthorn has released an updated Reconciliation Action Plan.

Accused of unlawful discrimination in an ABC report in 2022 and still embroiled in a long-running racism saga before the Federal Court, the club’s new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) promises to address racism and make changes as well as understand the past to create a pathway for the future.

Unveiled on Wednesday afternoon, the new RAP identifies five areas of focus within the club’s First Nations Strategy.

• Understanding the past to create a pathway for the future
• Addressing racism and making change
• Ensuring cultural safety at Hawthorn Football Club
• Embracing the First Nations Community
• Providing code leadership

The enhanced RAP forms part of Hawthorn's wider First Nations strategy, which is guided by the club's First Nations Advisory Committee.

The Advisory Committee was established to ensure Hawthorn "always remains a culturally safe workplace as well as providing independent advice to the board".

Introducing the RAP in a statement, Hawthorn President, Andy Gowers advised “at Hawthorn, our commitment is to continually listen, learn and ensure our environment is one that is culturally safe for all.

"This is how we create a club that delivers positive social outcomes and creates an environment that helps First Nation's people thrive.

"This 2024-2026 Innovate RAP sets out a clear, practical plan that makes sure Hawthorn has a roadmap to reconciliation with the actions we take as a football club.

"It also allows us to acknowledge and honour the contribution and impact First Nations people have on our club and community, past, present and future."

The Hawks says its vision for reconciliation is all Australians understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and contributions, while fostering a culturally safe and nurturing environment for all past, current and future players, staff and fans.

Main image: Hawthorn President Andy Gowers.

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