Richmond is pleased to announce that Aaron Clark has been appointed as the new Director of the Korin Gamadji Institute based at Punt Road Oval. He replaces Belinda Duarte who has taken up a new role in the philanthropic sector.

A descendant of the Djab Whurring people in Western Victoria, Clark has spent the past five years as AFL Victoria Indigenous Programs Manager.

The KGI, which officially opened in 2012, runs education and training programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

Its activities have been critical to Richmond Football Club becoming the first sporting Club in Australia, and one of just 12 businesses across Australia, to have its Reconciliation Action Plan promoted to Elevated status.

“Belinda did a wonderful job establishing the KGI program and building enormous trust with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said.

“We look forward to Aaron working with the team of staff in the KGI to build on the foundations that have been laid. The KGI is all about improving the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and that will remain the focus.

“Aaron’s understanding of the football landscape across Victoria – in particular the pathways to promote Aboriginal participation – will also be of great importance given the introduction of the Next Generation Academies.”

Under Clark’s management at AFL Victoria, Aboriginal participation in Victoria has grown significantly from grass roots through to the elite level.

He has a strong community background also working in areas of justice, cultural heritage and community controlled health organisations over the past 15 years.

“This facility, in conjunction with its partners, is about supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. I look forward to ensuring its programming remains meaningful and this facility thrives as a place to connect our young people to ensure they are an important part of our future,” Clark said.