Richmond and the Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI) have strengthened their commitment to the Victorian Aboriginal community through a new partnership with the Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission (VTAC).
Using the powerful platform of its annual Dreamtime at the ‘G match, Richmond will support VTAC’s initiatives to engage the Victorian Aboriginal community in the opportunity to participate in Treaty advancement, a movement legislated and supported by the Victorian State Government.
Richmond, with the KGI, has worked with Victorian Indigenous youth for over a decade, delivering strength-based programming focused on active citizenship, leadership, and cultural affirmation, to support the self-determination of Australia’s First Peoples.
More than 1300 Indigenous youth have graduated from KGI programs since the centre opened its doors in 2012, with another 500 young people to participate in programming this year.
Richmond’s annual Dreamtime at the ‘G match has grown in significance since the first game 15 years ago, and is the centrepiece of the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
This game brings together the nation’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in an event that transcends football to celebrate, educate and recognise Indigenous culture and raise awareness of important issues.
The match is a representation of the Club’s leadership role and continued commitment to Reconciliation nationally, aligning with Richmond’s Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) status.
During this year’s Dreamtime at the ‘G match, Richmond will wear the Treaty logo on its match-day guernsey in support of VTAC’s plans to engage and encourage the Victorian Aboriginal community to have their say in shaping Treaty for Victoria.
At the centre of the partnership is educating and informing KGI participants, and raising awareness to eligible Victorian Aboriginals of the opportunity to enrol to vote so as to express their views on Treaty for Victoria.
Jill Gallagher AO, Victorian Treaty Advancement Commissioner said it is “fantastic” that both Richmond and the KGI are supporting the opportunities that Treaty present.
“This is a moment that every Aboriginal person in Victoria can be excited about – Treaty is coming to the MCG,” Gallagher said.
“Dreamtime at the ‘G is always a special time for our mob and this year’s game comes right in the middle of a very important time.”
Richmond President, Peggy O’Neal, said the new partnership takes the Club’s responsibilities as a leader in Reconciliation to a new level.
“Richmond’s commitment to our nation’s First Peoples runs deep,” O’Neal said.
“Ultimately, our KGI programming focuses on voice for youth, and that clearly connects with the opportunities that Treaty presents for Aboriginal Victorians.
“Through our reputation, leadership role in Reconciliation, and the opportunity created by Dreamtime at the ‘G, we feel that we can raise awareness of the Commission’s Treaty advancement work, as well as educate Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
“We feel very fortunate to be in a position to help progress the work of the Treaty Commission, as established under Victorian legislation.”
For more information about Treaty for Victoria, visit treatyforvictoria.org.au or deadlyquestions.vic.gov.au.
