The New South Wales Rugby League will mark its long-term commitment to being “the game for all” with an awareness campaign throughout March to promote inclusion and reflect the diversity of our community.
In line with the start of the NSWRL 2023 major competitions season kicking off this week, the NSWRL will dedicate the entire month of March to “Inclusion Round”, culminating with a free Inclusion Gala Day at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence at Sydney Olympic Park on 25 March.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said that while the organisation already had a range of programs and partnerships in place, it also recognised there was more that could be done to provide a respectful, positive environment, free of discrimination, for all involved, on and off the field.
“To achieve this, NSWRL is committed to developing and implementing a series of diversity and inclusion initiatives relating to five key areas: Indigenous, Pride, Gender Equality, Cultural Diversity, All Abilities,” Trodden said.
“Everyone - whether a player, parent, spectator, coach, volunteer, referee, official or staff member – should respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person.
“The NSWRL will only achieve its vision to be ‘the game for all’ when it makes sure everyone in our community sees themselves genuinely reflected in all aspects of the game.
“This includes on and off the field at local clubs, schools, in Rugby League administration, within Rugby League workplaces, in the crowd, in media coverage, publicity, promotion, broadcasting the game and in representative female and male teams.”
Trodden said developing and implementing a series of inclusion and diversity initiatives, including programs, policies and advisory boards, is a key focus of the organisation’s commitment to the Rugby league community to building a stronger community and sport.
Programs and initiatives the NSWRL already has in place include: the Multicultural NSW Try League program, which reached 1200 children in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in 2022, Australian International Sports Organisation clinics and the Heritage Rugby League Harmony Nines event; Deadly Choices “Deadly Blues” program and the Kari Foundation Talented Aboriginal Athlete (TAAP) program; NSWRL-UNE Women In Sport Leadership program and Westpac Sky Blues Girls Academy; Disability Sports Australia and Variety Activate Inclusion Sports Days, and What Ability Foundation gala days.
For more information on the Inclusion Gala Day, click here.
