AFL NSW/ACT wins Humanitarian Award

AFL NSW/ACT is proud to announce the Southern NSW team has received a Humanitarian Award from the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) for their work with African refugees in the region.

The awards, part of 2012 Refugee Week, aim to acknowledge positive contributions towards refugee issues in NSW. AFL NSW/ACT’s Southern NSW team earned the award in the sport category through their work in engaging members of the African communities into recreational and social football programs.

Since 2010, more than 50 young African men and women have participated in the on and off-field programs offered by AFL NSW/ACT Southern NSW. The programs include AFL skills and development; as well as education and training mentoring, and social programs.

AFL NSW/ACT Southern NSW Manager Jason McPherson said he was proud of his team’s contribution to the local community.

“It’s great for a regional area with a growing and diverse population to have these programs, our game is a great way to find new friends and establish themselves in the community,” he said.

“It’s been a really rewarding experience for us over the past few years.”

AFL NSW/ACT General Manager Tom Harley said the award was a fitting recognition of their commitment to upholding the AFL’s values.

“The Southern NSW team has worked hard to demonstrate the AFL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” he said.

“Reaching out to new communities to introduce them to Australia’s indigenous game, as well as enriching their lives off the field is one of our driving principles.

“We are proud to be involved in regional areas and we will continue to contribute to their communities on and off the field.”

The AFL’s multicultural program is designed to facilitate the participation of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The program aims to provide people from diverse cultures with an opportunity to be involved as players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and fans.

The AFL multicultural program delivers a range of initiatives that encourage CaLD (culturally and linguistically diverse) young people, families and recent arrivals to Australia to discover more about Australian Football and the opportunities we can offer. For more information on the program, please contact Nickie Flambouras, Multicultural Program Manager on nickie.flambouras@aflnswact.com.au