NBL announce RAP Working Group, including TIP's Jawai and Williams

The NBL have finally committed to developing a framework to support the national reconciliation movement and have developed a draft Reflect RAP which has been lodged with Reconciliation Australia for provisional endorsement. 

Co-chair Brooke is a proud Gunditjmara woman and is currently the General Manager of The Long Walk and Indigenous Affairs Advisor at the Essendon Football Club. The other Members of the Working Group include:

• Leanne Brooke – General Manager of The Long Walk and Indigenous Affairs Advisor at the Essendon Football Club (Co-Chair)
• Jeremy Loeliger – NBL Commissioner (Co-Chair)
• Ricky Baldwin - Vice President of Australian Indigenous Basketball (AIB) and Head Coach of the Australian Indigenous Women’s Basketball Team
• Cal Bruton - Director of Capital Basketball and NBL Hall of Fame Member
• Tyson Demos - President of Australian Indigenous Basketball (AIB) and former NBL player
• Nate Jawai - Lead ambassador for the Taipans Indigenous Program (TIP) and current NBL player for the Cairns Taipans
• Danny Morseu – Director National Indigenous Basketball Academy and NBL Hall of Fame Member
• Anita Pahor – Philanthropy and CSR Director, LK Group
• Kerry Williams - Community Development Manager at the Cairns Taipans and Manager of the Taipans Indigenous Program (TIP)
• Ben Jopling – NBL (Secretary)

Brooke said: "Reconciliation is about strengthening meaningful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples and where we as First Nations people are respected, celebrated and championed.

“I’m looking forward to joining the NBL on its Reconciliation journey where, as a national institution, its influence and exposure can be used to contribute to positive social change and a sense of national unity.”

Jawai said: “To support the national reconciliation movement is a really important piece to have in an organisation like the NBL, that is growing to be better.

“It’s that important that we address that. We need to learn about the different kinds of cultures that we have here. People need to learn about who we are and what the RAP is about and understand the Australian Indigenous people.

“When I started playing from a junior, I had Uncle Danny Morseu to look up to. So, I know the feeling, especially coming out of community. For me, it’s important for me to go back up [to Bamaga] and reach out to kids [as a role model] because I know what it’s like to have that kind of support. Hopefully with this RAP getting put in place, it’s more comfortable for them and we’ll get to see more kids coming out and give them the support they need."

The Working Group will also help guide the league in making a meaningful contribution to this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations from November 8-15.