Meet our multicultural ambassadors

On Tuesday last week, 14 people from various communities across NSW and the ACT were inducted into the annual Multicultural Ambassador Program.

The newly-selected group were inducted into the AFL to confirm their roles and responsibilities as community ambassadors for the next 12 months.

AFL NSW/ACT Multicultural Programs Manager, Nickie Flambouras said the AFL needs community ambassadors to assist with deepening the connection within multicultural communities.

“Interracial diversity plays an important part in maintaining social cohesion in Australia, mostly because multicultural population is growing significantly,” Flambouras said.

“NSW has the highest number of Multicultural people in Australia— we need to be engaging people into our game.”

Flambouras said the applicants were chosen based on their involvement in multicultural communities within their region.

“All of the applicants have unique experiences, many of which work with young people in the community,” she said.

The role of a Multicultural Ambassador includes building and improving cultural partnerships with the community as well as being positive role models for youth, reflective of the AFL.

Since its inception, Frank Newah Jarfoi has been greatly involved in the Multicultural AFL program in Wagga Wagga.

Jarfoi, who is of Sudanese decent, says he is very excited to have been selected as one of this year’s Multicultural Ambassadors to represent their region.

“This opportunity means a lot to me and having the ability to be able to foster further relationships outside my region really helps the community engage with one another through Australian Rules Football,” he said.

“Footy brings people together— it is one of the sports I enjoy most and boosts my confidence as a leader.”

As a community leader, Jarfoi has been able to enhance community participation and build relationships with most AFL clubs in Wagga Wagga.

“I currently work closely with the AFL team in the Southern Region to engage the African community to play the sports.

“I really look forward to working with the AFL and the new ambassadors.”

The AFL NSW/ACT Multicultural Community Ambassador Program aims to further engage multicultural communities through sport.

For more information about the program, click here, or contact Nickie Flambouras on 02 8333 8024.