PaddleNSW First Nations Reconciliation Action Plan

PaddleNSW, is excited to launch the First Nations Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Acknowledgment of Country
PaddleNSW acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waterways, culture and community. As an organisation and as a paddling community we pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

salt water blood line by Indigenous Artist Kate Forbes-Walker

First Nations and Reconciliation Action Plan

Through its Reconciliation Action Plan, PaddleNSW is committed to greater promotion and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the sport of paddling. 

PaddleNSW is proud to launch First Nations, which will remain easily accessible under the About header of the PaddleNSW homepage. Under First Nations you will find the Draft PNSW RAP Terms of Reference and any ensuing updates from the RAP Committee as well as Indigenous resources including Welome & Acknowledgement of Country at PaddleNSW and Club events; Weather and Seasons, Dates of Significance and Resources for Clubs. The RAP Committe hopes to add to this over time.

What is a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)?

A RAP is a strategic document that helps organisations to build respectful relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and foster opportunities in diversity, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment and cultural learning.

While any organisation, community group or individual can take action toward reconciliation, Reconciliation Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) framework is specifically designed for workplaces.

Indigenous man, Joshua Maguire will be providing advice on the RAP application process.

First Nations Round

An important step of this active commitment is the introduction of indigenous awareness rounds in our respective PNSW Harbour Racing, Marathon & Sprint Series. 

PaddleNSW is beyond delighted to announce that the inaugural First Nations Marathon Round will be hosted by the Sutherland Shire Canoe Club on Saturday 24 June.

The race will start and end at the park named in honour of Aboriginal activist, actor and writer, Burnum Burnum at Woronora. The course will enable paddlers and spectators to experience the beauty of the Woronora River, a waterway of significance to the Dharawal speaking people. 

While the event takes place after National Reconciliation Week, 27 May to 3 June, PaddleNSW hopes that it is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

PaddleNSW is proud to work with Indigenous artist Kate Forbes-Walker and the Malang Indigenous Corporation to produce commemorative caps and banners to mark the occasion. 

Paddlers can register for this race via webscorer. Contact PaddleNSW if you want to learn more about this event or our Reconciliation Action Plan.

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