Journey Towards the Commonwealth Games Reconciliation Action Plan: Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Professor Kerry Arabena
Managing Director
I recall the moment clearly when Victorian Premier, Dan Andrews, announced on live television that the Victorian Government would not continue with the Commonwealth Games (CG). As part of the team that had been engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, this left me pondering over the implications of this decision on our Indigenous sporting fraternity, our family hopes and our business strategies. While I fully understand the rationale behind the discontinuation, I couldn't help but think about the long-term impact of this missed opportunity.
Image by Alexa from Pixabay
Government entities are actively encouraged to focus on delivering tangible benefits to their citizens, such as social housing and sporting facilities. Yet, the Commonwealth Games presented a unique opportunity to facilitate a change in the relationship between the Commonwealth and First Nations people. The intangible benefits could have included pride, access, reduced racism in regional Victoria, increased business opportunities with the increased visitor economy and promoting culture to Australia and the world. The intangible benefits were directly due to the significant representation and involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the event. Our team was on the cusp of embarking on the third round of consultations for the Victorian CG Reconciliation Action Plan, a process that underlined our resilience, dedication, and vision and firmly embedded these in the CG RAP, which was on track to be delivered in October 2023.
At the heart of these consultations was a strong commitment to uplifting the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Committee members stood firm in their resolve to ensure that these voices were heard and appreciated. This unflinching commitment fostered an atmosphere of empowerment, where community members felt free to express their views, fears, and hopes. The committee's vision, especially, was striking. They aimed to put Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the forefront of the Commonwealth Games, an endeavour that was widely admired because it extended beyond the Games itself, aspiring to establish a lasting legacy that would acknowledge and elevate the diverse cultures, strengths, and talents of First Nations communities across Australia and the Commonwealth.
Embracing the Unexpected:
The sudden cancellation of the Games was a daunting challenge, leaving the community in a state of shock and in my sector, the business sector; we are left with uncertainty. Indigenous sporting organisations, enterprises, artists, bush food enthusiasts and housing agencies were all looking forward to this event. Those of us who were involved in all the consultations got a glimpse of how the Commonwealth Games could have illuminated the deep respect, solidarity and shared purpose that could form part of the intangible yet enduring legacy of the Games.
The Way Forward:
As the committee members find their footing in the wake of these developments, we acknowledge the profound impact they have made and the relationships they have built. The commitment exhibited by these individuals during the consultation process will undeniably lead them to other significant and rewarding initiatives. Here at Karabena Consulting, we extend our deepest gratitude and admiration for the invaluable contributions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community throughout this process. Despite unforeseen hurdles, the journey of consultations for the CG Reconciliation Action Plan will be remembered as a remarkable phase in the ongoing efforts to promote unity, understanding, and appreciation of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria. This is an experience that will continue to educate us as we move forward. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who participated in this journey and we wish everyone the best.