The Perth Football League is committed to creating environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel respected, valued and connected both on and off the field. 

This page provides resources and practical guidance to help clubs and community members foster cultural awareness, inclusion and meaningful connection. 

Developed in partnership with AFL Play, some of these materials offer ideas and best practices to support stronger engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Club resources

• Making your club culturally inclusive for Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander people
• AFL cultural protocols and guiding principles 
• Map of Indigenous Australia 
• Tips for creating a more diverse and inclusive club or program 
• Social emotional and cultural wellbeing framework 

Find First Nations mental health resources and support contacts here.

An Acknowledgement of Country 

What is the difference between a Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country? 

Welcome to Country is a ceremony performed by an Aboriginal Elder to welcome visitors to their traditional land. Depending on the culture of the traditional owners, it can take many forms, including singing, dancing, smoking ceremonies, or a speech. 

‘Being welcomed to Country means that you are talking to your spiritual ancestors and you’re saying just let this person come through. We trust that they’re not going to do any harm on the Country and so do not harm them’ – Jude Barlow, Ngunnawal Elder.  

An Acknowledgement of Country involves visitors acknowledging the original Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander custodians of the land and their long and continuing relationship with their Country. It is a way of showing awareness of and respect for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander custodians of the land on which an event is being held. An Acknowledgement of Country can be formal or informal and, unlike a Welcome to Country, can be delivered by a non-Indigenous person.

• You can access some additional information regarding what is Country, and Hosting a Welcome to Country here.  
• Local Government Agency will be able to provide contacts for local Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal groups. 

An example of a Standard Acknowledgement of Country: 

We/I would like to acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation (or replace them with the appropriate group if the event is held outside of Perth or interstate), who are the traditional custodians of the land on which this event is taking place. We/I would also like to pay respect to the Elders of the Noongar nation (or replace them with the appropriate group if the event is held outside of Perth or interstate), both past, present and emerging on land we gather and extend that respect to other Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians who are present 

Education

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)   

The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) provides a framework for organisations to support the national reconciliation movement. No matter where your organisation is on its reconciliation journey, there is a RAP to suit. Workplaces can be supported to develop one of four types of RAP — Reflect, Innovate, Stretch or Elevate. 

Develop your RAP

Cultural awareness training/education  

All leagues and clubs are encouraged to further their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage. Clubs and individuals can engage in cultural education awareness training or education in many avenues. 

If your club is interested in hosting a cultural inclusion training session, please reach out to henry@perthfootball.com.au

NAIDOC Week & Round  

More than just a celebration, NAIDOC Week is a national movement that honours the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The term NAIDOC stands for the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee, which has its origins in the 1930s protest movements advocating for the rights and recognition of First Nations people. 

Each year, the week carries a new theme that encourages reflection, education and action, reminding us all of our shared responsibility to recognise and respect the world’s oldest living cultures. 

Within the PFL, NAIDOC Round provides an opportunity for clubs to showcase their commitment to reconciliation through artwork, ceremonies, storytelling and community connection, while paying respect to the Traditional Custodians of the lands where our game is played. 

• Guide to Local Football Themed Rounds
• Running an Indigenous Round - GippSport

If your club is looking to design a new NAIDOC Week jumper, the first step should be to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players or members within your club. They may wish to be involved in the design process or may have a family member, artist, or community connection who can assist. 

If no one within your club is available, consider reaching out to your local government or Aboriginal organisation, who can help connect you with local artists or cultural representatives to ensure the design is created respectfully and meaningfully.