Fremantle is continuing to make progress as the Club actions its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
 
The ‘Stretch’ RAP, which covers the period of 2020 to 2023, was developed with the assistance of the club’s Indigenous Program Partner and co-major sponsor, Woodside.
 
At the 2021 AFL Season Launch, Club president Dale Alcock went into detail about some of the actions the club had undertaken over the past 12 months.
 
“Our Club’s vision is for a reconciled Australian community.  A community that is united and built on respect; where all are welcome and have the opportunity to thrive,” Alcock said.
 
“We have 130 stated actions as part of our RAP. Last year, despite the impact of the pandemic on club resources, we were able to achieve a significant number of actions and I’d like to share with you some highlights.
 
“Antoni Grover – a 202-game player for Freo – along with his sisters Nicole and Alicia King, designed a magnificent work of art for our 2020 AFL Indigenous Jumper. To see our players run out in this jumper against Sydney at Optus Stadium was very special. None more special than Liam Henry making his AFL debut that day after rising from our Club’s Next Generation Academy ranks.
 
“That same game day, we hosted the legendary Syd Jackson and acknowledged Syd as the 2020 AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree – a proud moment for Syd and our club.
 
“A very special moment from Sir Doug Nicholls Round was the opportunity to hear the students of Banksia Grove Primary School sing the Fremantle Dockers club song in Noongar at Optus Stadium… it was very special and a unique experience.
 
“Another highlight was our collaboration with Woodside on an “Always Was - Always Will Be” educational video for NAIDOC Week 2020… an incredibly powerful piece of work that received overwhelming praise from the Freo community.
 
“The AFLW Smoking Ceremony at Fremantle Oval in January has become a very significant event on our calendar. With our players, staff, members and sponsors in attendance.  We are privileged to be able to acknowledge in ceremony the land on which our athletes play this great game - Whadjuk, Noongar Boodja.
 
“Late last year Curtin University hosted members of our staff and playing groups on a private tour and education session of the Carrolup artworks at John Curtin Gallery. The impact this visit has had on everyone who attended is significant.  Thank you to the Carrolup Elders Reference Group and Curtin University for creating such an experience.”
 
Alcock said that the club was committed to continuing to help create an inclusive community.
 
“We’re striving towards equality and equity, that accepts and understands our shared history,” Alcock said.
 
“We’re committed to walk together in reconciliation with our Indigenous Program Partner – Woodside.  We thank Woodside for their valued support and guidance along our journey.”