Valley Sport is proud to announce the official launch of its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
The RAP represents an important milestone for the organisation, providing a clear framework to strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the Mountains to the Murray region.
As a Regional Sports Assembly supporting community sport and active recreation across Greater Shepparton, Moira, Benalla, Mansfield, Strathbogie, Mitchell and Murrindindi, Valley Sport recognises the important role sport can play in building stronger, more connected and inclusive communities.
Valley Sport Executive Officer Megan Carr said the RAP formalises the organisation’s commitment to reconciliation and inclusion within community sport and recreation.
“Our Reflect RAP marks the beginning of an important journey for Valley Sport. We are committed to listening, learning and building respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations across our region,” Ms Carr said.
“Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together, create connection and improve wellbeing. Through this RAP, we want to ensure that sport and recreation environments across our region are welcoming, culturally safe and empowering for First Nations peoples.”
The Reflect RAP outlines a range of commitments and actions that Valley Sport will undertake between September 2026 and February 2028. These include:
- Strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations
- Increasing cultural understanding and awareness within the organisation.
- Supporting culturally safe and inclusive sporting environments.
- Promoting participation in National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.
- Exploring opportunities to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, employment and business engagement within sport and recreation.
The RAP also commits Valley Sport to embedding reconciliation principles across governance, workforce development, volunteer engagement and program delivery.
Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine welcomed Valley Sport to the RAP program, acknowledging the organisation’s commitment to taking meaningful steps towards reconciliation.
Valley Sport acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which it lives, works and plays and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
The full Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan can be viewed here