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Socio-cultural

First Nations peoples have diverse languages, histories, and customs. Individuals’ social, geographic, and life circumstances can be very different.

Australia's First Nations peoples are not a single, homogenous population. They possess diverse languages, histories, and customs and individuals’ social, educational, geographical, and other life circumstances can be significantly different. 29, 33

Broadly speaking:

  • As of 30 June 2021, First Nations peoples made up an estimated 3.8% of Australia’s total population. 32
  • Based on 2021 Census estimates, 41% live in Major cities, 44% live in Inner and outer regional areas, and 15% live in Remote and very remote areas. 33
  • The 2021 census recorded that there were 167 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages used at home. 34 Approximately 84% of First Nations individuals spoke English at home, although it’s unclear how many were multilingual (i.e., spoke English and an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language). 35
  • The First Nations population has a younger age structure than the broader population. In 2021, one-third of First Nations people were aged under 15 years, with just 5.4% aged over 65 years. This compares to 17.9% of the non-Indigenous population aged under 15 years and 17.2% aged over 65 years. 36

Many First Nations people and communities have a strong connection to sport. Some of Australia's most popular sport role models, such as Patty Mills, Ashleigh Barty, Adam Goodes, and Cathy Freeman are proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

It is important to understand the needs, cultural and social background of individuals and groups in order to work together to address the under-representation of First Nations people in sport.

Facilitators

Factors that have been shown to address socio-cultural barriers to sport and positively impact sport include:

  • Parental, family, community, and social support. 3, 9, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18
  • Identification with and/or connection to First Nations cultures. 1, 8, 12, 13
  • Feeling safe, comfortable, and like they belong (cultural safety, family, and community connectedness). 1, 9, 10, 24

Barriers

A complex interaction of individual, social, and cultural factors can heighten the risk of individuals missing out on the many benefits sport and physical activity can offer across the life course. 8, 12, 37, 38

  • Access barriers (facilities, transport, cost) 1, 8, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20
  • Cultural barriers (language, lack of familiarity with club environments, dress standards, gender roles/expectations) 9, 12, 15, 17, 20, 21
  • Fewer role models 15, 20, 23
  • Racism, discrimination, and vilification 8, 9, 15, 20
  • Feelings about colonisation (mistrust, uncertainty, not wanting to engage in ‘westernised’ sport) 8, 10, 24, 25
  • For some, time spent participating in sport and physical activity, especially in solo activities, may also be perceived as 'selfish' because it takes people away from family and community commitments and responsibilities. 8, 9, 11, 19

Resources and reading

  • Sport and physical activity play important roles for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, but there are barriers to participation, opens in a new tab, Rona Macniven, Bridget Allen, John Evans, The Conversation, (1 October 2021). Many factors influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in physical activity and sport. These can be classified as facilitators, that enable participation, or barriers, that can make participation more challenging. Our new review found 62 different facilitators and 63 different barriers to physical activity and sport. Multiple, complex facilitators and barriers were experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults across Australia.
  • Indigenous Health Education Program, opens in a new tab, Paralympics Australia, (2018-2020). A grant was provided through the federal Department of Health’s Indigenous Australia’s Health Programme enabled Paralympic Australia to undertake a range of activities from 2018-20 developing targeted evidence based chronic disease prevention, health promotion and physical activity education resources and community events to address the increasing incidence of chronic disease in Indigenous people with disability in a culturally acceptable manner. Following are some of the key messages and learnings relating to barriers and enablers for physical activity participation from the project’s community engagement events, consultations and interviews.
  • Sport can be an important part of Aboriginal culture for women – but many barriers remain, opens in a new tab, Michelle O'Shea, Hazel Maxwell, Megan Stronach, Sonya Pearce, The Conversation, (23 January 2020). Regular exercise is important for Indigenous women’s health, as it protects against obesity and chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. These conditions are more prevalent among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than non-Indigenous people. Women’s physical activity benefits whole communities. Active mothers and aunts are important role models for their children and peers; while women’s involvement as sport leaders, coaches and participants can empower Indigenous girls to participate in sports at community to elite levels. In 2012, only 23.3% of Indigenous women played sport, walked for fitness or leisure, or were physically active in the previous 12 months. Key barriers identified included: Racism or vilification based on skin colour; for women living in remote Indigenous communities, transport costs and logistics significantly impacted their participation in organised sport. The costs of registering for a sporting team, for example, and having to purchase a team uniform meant they were unable to compete. Ongoing effects of colonisation have resulted in some women rejecting calls for them to become involved in “westernised” sport, instead preferring activities that are more culturally acceptable, such as music and crafts. Our research also found that some Aboriginal people viewed time spent participating in sport and physical activity as “selfish” because it took them away from their family care commitments and responsibilities. Facilitators included: fun runs, carnivals and community competitions. Indigenous-women-only classes and activities offered by local Indigenous organisations. Programs and interventions foisted on Indigenous women are unlikely to benefit them as individuals or their communities. Instead, healthy and active sisters and aunties are powerful role models.

  • Profile of First Nations people, opens in a new tab, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, (2 July 2024). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people are the first peoples of Australia. They are not one group, but rather comprise hundreds of groups that have their own distinct set of languages, histories and cultural traditions. The health and welfare of First Nations people living in the big cities are different to those living in the Torres Strait, which are different again to those living on the outskirts of Alice Springs or those living in remote communities. This page provides demographic information on the First Nations population, including information on their languages and cultures. Information is also included on the Closing the Gap targets.
  • Footprints in Time - The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC), opens in a new tab, Australian Government Department of Social Services, (accessed 9 March 2022). The study includes two groups of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children who were aged 6 to 18 months (B cohort) and 3½ - 5 years (K cohort) when the study began in 2008. In wave 1, over 1,680 interviews were conducted with the children’s parents or primary carers (usually the mothers) and over 265 interviews were conducted with fathers or other significant carers. The study covers a wide variety of topics about children’s health, learning and development, their family and community, for example: Children’s physical and mental health and social and cognitive development which may include relevant data on children's physical activity.
  • The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework (HPF), opens in a new tab, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare/National Indigenous Australians Agency, (accessed 9 March 2022). This website brings together information from numerous sources to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date view of the state of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes, health system performance, and the broader determinants of health. It is designed to inform policy, planning, program development, and research.
  • First Nations People with Disability issues paper, opens in a new tab, Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, (9 June 2020). Data shows that a disproportionate number of First Nations people live with a disability or some form of long term health condition. First Nations people with disability are more likely to: have experienced threats of physical violence; have poorer health outcomes than other Australians with disability; have experienced problems accessing health services; have been removed and/or had relatives removed from their family; experience high or very high levels of psychological distress; be detained due to a cognitive disability, foetal alcohol syndrome or other impairment; be reliant on government pensions or allowances as their main source of personal income ; and less likely to be studying and in jobs.
  • Football's Indigenous Engagement: State of Play, opens in a new tab, Professional Footballers Australia on behalf of John Moriarty Football, (November 2018). Engagement between the major sporting codes and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians provides a significant opportunity for mutual benefit. This report benchmarks the progress being made by sporting codes to highlight football’s missed opportunity and to call for a reignition of football’s Indigenous engagement. Engagement between the major sports and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians provides a significant opportunity for mutual benefit. For sports, there is a pool of talent to be tapped, and a community of potential supporters to be embraced. For Indigenous communities, sport has the power to enhance social, education and health outcomes, and provide a pathway to rewarding professional careers, in turn developing inspirational role models.
  • Physical activity across the life stages, opens in a new tab, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, (July 2018). This report presents information on the physical activity and sedentary participation rate of Australians across the life stages, reported against Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. According to the available data, Indigenous children aged 5–12 and young people aged 13–17 were more likely to meet the physical activity guideline, compared with non-Indigenous children: 60% of Indigenous 5–12 year olds, compared with 45% of their non-Indigenous counterparts. 33% of Indigenous 13–17 year olds, compared with 19% of their non-Indigenous counterparts. Among young children aged 2–5, similar proportions of Indigenous (64%) and non-Indigenous (69%) children met the physical activity guideline. Indigenous adults aged 18–64 and Indigenous women aged 65 and over were less likely to meet the physical activity guideline, compared with their non-Indigenous counterparts: 38% of Indigenous adults aged 18–64, compared with 46% of non-Indigenous adults of this age; non-Indigenous women aged 65 and over (38%) were twice as likely to meet the physical activity guideline, compared with Indigenous women of this age (16%). However, the proportions were similar for: Indigenous men (41%) and non-Indigenous men (44%) aged 65 and over who met the physical activity guideline. Indigenous adults (9.4%) and non-Indigenous adults (10%) aged 65 and over who met the strength-based activity guideline.
  • Indigenous Australians' Participation in Sports and Physical Activities: Part 2, Qualitative research, ORC International prepared for the Australian Sports Commission, (March 2018). The research affirms the central role of sport and physical activity within Indigenous communities and the importance of sporting clubs and organisations to facilitate these opportunities. Increasing participation and overcoming barriers to sports and physical activities, for both adults and children was a priority amongst Indigenous people. Recommendations include ensuring that programs are culturally inclusive and respectful of Indigenous people, reducing costs, and increasing opportunities which are available within remote and some regional areas.
  • After the Siren: The community benefits of Indigenous participation in Australia Rules Football, opens in a new tab. Michael Dockery and Sean Gorman, Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, (September 2017). This report is based on analyses of data from the 2014-2015 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS), supplemented by interviews with a number of stakeholders in West Australian communities. The evidence provides a very strong social-benefit case for greater investment in structured AFL competitions in remote communities. As was observed with children, cultural identification appears to be complementary to participation in general sports. However, people who speak an Indigenous language at home are around 11 percentage points less likely to participate in organised sport.
  • Indigenous Australians' Participation in Sports and Physical Activities: Part 1, Literature and AusPlay data review, ORC International prepared for the Australian Sports Commission, (May 2017). This report includes a summary of the key drivers and barriers of Indigenous participation explored in the AusPlay data and summarised from the recent literature. For many Indigenous participants, the sports and physical activities they found most appealing were group activities that were culturally appropriate (for instance, having gender-specific groups), reinforcing family and community connectedness and collectiveness. When individuals had practical or emotional support or encouragement from family, friends, and even staff and other participants, they were more likely to be motivated to participate, and to keep participating. Having positive role models, in the form of older, more experienced participants from within the community, and professional Indigenous sportsmen and women, was also seen as motivating for young people and less experienced participants. A number of authors wrote that physical activity was perceived by some Indigenous Australians as an integral part of their day, inseparable from their lives with their families and communities, and not something to be chosen as an independent activity, in and of itself. Undertaking activities that were perceived as being for an individual’s own benefit, rather than for the benefit of the family or community made some Indigenous people feel shame, and there were often negative community perceptions of exercising alone. Feelings about what was culturally appropriate, or different cultural preferences for “the way physical activities are constructed and organised, the spaces they take place in and the times they occur,” meant that some Indigenous people did not want to do certain sports and physical activities.
  • What's the Score? A survey of cultural diversity and racism in Australian sport, opens in a new tab, Paul Oliver, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, (2006). This section of What’s the Score? provides a summary of reports, census’, surveys and publications related to the level of participation in sport by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds (CALD). There are a significant number of barriers faced by Indigenous and CALD people with regards to participation in sport. Some significant socio-cultural barriers to participation identified by the report include:
    • Exclusiveness of the current structure of some sports.
    • Lack of familiarity with sporting clubs and environments and available services/activities.
    • Lack of understanding of the rules of some sports or lack of confidence in physical ability to play certain sports.
    • Potential threat, or experience, of discrimination or racism.
    • Feelings of isolation.
    • Language barriers.
    • Lack of role models working in and playing the game.
    • Family or cultural communities may take priority over sport.
    • Barriers for young women within their own communities and from sporting organisations.

  • The Barriers and Facilitators of Sport and Physical Activity Participation for Aboriginal Children in Rural New South Wales, Australia: A Photovoice Project, opens in a new tab, Sarah Liew, Josephine Gwynn, Janice Smith, et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 19(4), (February 2022). Low physical activity participation is a behavioral risk factor for chronic disease, which is present at much higher rates in Australian Aboriginal communities compared to non-Aboriginal communities. Through photos and ‘yarning’, the Australian Aboriginal cultural form of conversation, this photovoice study explored the barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity participation perceived by Aboriginal children (n = 17) in New South Wales rural communities in Australia for the first time. Seven key themes emerged from thematic analysis. Four themes described physical activity barriers, which largely exist at the community and interpersonal level of children’s social and cultural context: the physical environment, high costs related to sport and transport, and reliance on parents, along with individual risk factors such as unhealthy eating. Three themes identified physical activity facilitators that exist at the personal, interpersonal, and institutional level: enjoyment from being active, supportive social and family connections, and schools. Findings highlight the need for ongoing maintenance of community facilities to enable physical activity opportunities and ensure safety. Children held strong aspirations for improved and accessible facilities. The strength of friendships and the family unit should be utilized in co-designed and Aboriginal community-led campaigns.
  • Barriers and Enablers to Older Indigenous People Engaging in Physical Activity—A Qualitative Systematic Review, opens in a new tab, Margaret J.R. Gidgup, Marion Kickett, Tammy Weselman, et al., Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, Volume 30(2), pp.340-352, (2022). The objective of this qualitative systematic review was to synthesize all evidence to understand the barriers and enablers to older Indigenous peoples (aged 40 years and older) engaging in physical activity. Four databases were searched. Study quality was assessed from an Indigenous perspective, using an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander quality appraisal tool. Data were analyzed using thematic synthesis. There were 4,246 articles screened with 23 articles and one report included from over 30 Indigenous communities across four countries. Cultural Safety and Security was a key enabler, including developing physical activity programs which are led by Indigenous communities and preference Indigenous values. Colonization was a key barrier that created mistrust and uncertainty. Social Determinants of Health, including cost, were supported by successful programs, but if not addressed, were demotivators of engagement. Older Indigenous peoples identified barriers and enablers that can direct the development of sustainable, culturally appropriate physical activity programs.
  • Facilitators and Barriers to Physical Activity and Sport Participation Experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adults: A Mixed Method Review, opens in a new tab, Bridget Allen, Karla Canuto, John Robert Evans, et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 18(18), (September 2021). A systematic search was undertaken of 11 databases and 14 grey literature websites during 2020. The included studies reported physical activity facilitators and barriers experienced by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander participants aged 18+ years, living in the community. Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-two facilitators were identified: 23 individual, 18 interpersonal, 8 community/environmental and 13 policy/program facilitators. Additionally, 63 barriers were identified: 21 individual, 17 interpersonal, 15 community/environmental and 10 policy/program barriers. Prominent facilitators included support from family, friends, and program staff, and opportunities to connect with community or culture. Prominent barriers included a lack of transport, financial constraints, lack of time, and competing work, family or cultural commitments. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults experience multiple facilitators and barriers to physical activity participation. Strategies to increase participation should seek to enhance facilitators and address barriers, collaboratively with communities, with consideration to the local context.
  • Sport for development and Indigenous Australians: a critical research agenda for policy and practice, opens in a new tab, Ryan Lucas, Ruth Jeanes, Zane Diamond, Leisure Studies, Volume 40(2), pp.276-285, (2021). Through a narrative literature review, this article seeks to broaden the discussion surrounding the use of sport as a development tool throughout Australia’s Indigenous communities, by considering perspectives within SFD literature that have received limited attention in existing policy and research approaches. The findings of this literature review expose a dominant trend towards positivistic research that reinforces existing approaches, and a lack of criticality surrounding the use of sport as a development tool. This article, therefore, seeks to pose a new research agenda by drawing on international perspectives with the potential to broaden this discussion surrounding the use of sport as a development tool for Indigenous Australians. Issues of conceptual clarity, the use of sport as a mechanism for social control, neoliberalism and neo-colonialism are largely absent from existing literature exploring SFD for Indigenous Australians. Calls to de-colonise SFD are also largely absent from the literature reviewed, and therefore calls for the decolonisation of SFD globally are also considered. Finally, this research note calls for researchers working in this space to engage critically with the use of sport in Indigenous communities, to shift the focus away from the production of ‘evidence’ to a broader discussion around the use of sport, including how research must contribute to decolonising both policy and practice through privileging Indigenous perspectives and voices.
  • Barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents: a mixed studies systematic review, opens in a new tab, Tamara May, Amanda Dudley, James Charles, et al., BMC Public Health, Volume 20, Article no.601, (2020). This study was focused on a comprehensive identification of barriers and facilitators at each level of the social-ecological model. From this process, gender and geographic location emerged as areas in which individual engagement with PA and sport was highly influenced by environmental, community, and policy factors. At the individual level, the most commonly reported barriers related to shyness/ embarrassment, self-perception of not being good enough as well as lack of motivation and time. Barriers to participation in PA identified in relation to girls and young women show how the complex interactions of interpersonal and cultural factors, associated with gender can be strongly determining the personal behaviour of individuals. At the interpersonal level having family and friends who were active was one of the most commonly reported facilitators; and if they were inactive this was a barrier. This highlights the importance of participation in sport/PA for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, in that they act as role models for children. For some young people their perceived lack of ability or the experience of losing in a sporting competition were deterrents to participation in and enjoyment of PA and sport. For the five studies conducted in regional and remote areas, barriers to participation in PA were particularly evident at community and environmental levels. These included lack of access to sporting facilities, organised PA and sport programs and transport to and from venues. Living in a ‘hot and sweaty’ climate and restrictions to travel in the wet season were also deterrents to participation in PA for young people from some communities in the Torres Strait Islands and the Cape York Peninsula. However, in the regional city of Geraldton (WA) the opportunity to engage in PA in natural environments such as parks, beaches and bush tracks was an important facilitator. Taken together, programs which offer sporting participation options for all family members (children, adolescents and adults), which appeal to males and females, are accessible through existing transport and related infrastructure, and are committed to communities through formal partnerships are needed. There are unique barriers in remote areas including, lack of programs in the local language, the transient nature of teachers, climate factors and a lack of (ongoing) sporting programs which will need targeted approaches to overcome. Overall, the health benefits of sport as well as its ability to provide future opportunities for young people are also a key facilitator. Public health campaigns broadening these messages to cover both physical and mental health could increase participation in sport and thus derive improved health outcomes.
  • Indigenous Australian women promoting health through sport, opens in a new tab, Megan Stronach, Hazel Maxwell, Sonya Pearce, Sport Management Review, Volume 22(1), pp.5-20, (2019). Drawing from an agency/empowerment theoretical framework, the authors posit that, given support and opportunities, Indigenous women can become empowered to improve their mental and physical health through participation in sport. Sport managers can facilitate Indigenous women's agency in the effects of colonisation, which continues to be the basis of health issues for this cohort. Listening to Indigenous women and facilitating opportunities for them to take control of their own participation can help facilitate this process. Indigenous-women's only opportunities, partnerships with health agencies and sports organisations, culturally safe spaces and Indigenous women acting as role models are some factors that may augment Indigenous women's agency, and thus empowerment. Government, sports, community organisations and health agencies which provide these conditions in their program design can help to overcome entrenched social, historical and health inequalities that Indigenous women may experience.
  • Indigenous Australians Perceptions’ of Physical Activity: A Qualitative Systematic Review, opens in a new tab, Emma Dahlberg, Sandra Hamilton, Fatuma Hamid, et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 15(7), (2018). Four major themes emerged: family and community, culture and environment, sport, and gender differences. Men highlighted sport and going on walkabout as preferred types of physical activity while women preferred family-focused activities and activities and support for women's sport. Several studies found exercise was supported when in the context of family and community but was considered shameful when done only for oneself. Sport was regarded as playing an influential role in bringing communities together. Group, community, or family activities were desired forms of physical activity with the environment they are conducted in of high importance.
  • The “ripple effect”: Health and community perceptions of the Indigenous Marathon Program on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, Australia, opens in a new tab, Rona Macniven, Suzanne Plater, Karla Canuto, et al., Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Volume 29(3), pp.304-313, (2018). We examined perceptions of the Indigenous Marathon Program (IMP) in a remote Torres Strait Island community. Barriers to running in the community were personal (cultural attitudes; shyness) and environmental (infrastructure; weather; dogs). Enablers reflected potential strategies to overcome described barriers. Indigenous questionnaire respondents were more likely to report being inspired to run by IMP runners than non‐Indigenous respondents. Positive “ripple” effects of the IMP on running and broader health were described to have occurred through local role modelling of healthy lifestyles by IMP runners that reduced levels of “shame” and embarrassment, a common barrier to physical activity among Indigenous Australians. A high initial level of community readiness for behaviour change was also reported.
  • Correlates of physical activity among Australian Indigenous and non‐Indigenous adolescents, opens in a new tab, Rona Macniven, Shane Hearn, Anne Grunseit, et al., Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Volume 41(2), pp.187-192, (2017). Physical activity levels in Indigenous and non‐Indigenous adolescents in the out‐of‐school setting were similarly low in this large disadvantaged adolescent sample. Indigenous girls, those from fragmented families, or those feeling disengaged from their community had particularly low activity levels. Consistent with previous research, male gender and sports team membership were associated with higher levels of physical activity in this sample, as well as maternal employment and community involvement which are less well established correlates. However, it is evident that the relative importance of some factors and their association with physical activity may differ between Indigenous (gender, maternal employment, confidence) and non‐Indigenous (sports team membership, community involvement) adolescents. Importantly, our data found a stronger gender difference in the Indigenous sample compared to the non‐Indigenous participants. This may be due in part to cultural factors relating to gender in Indigenous communities, which may require culture‐specific solutions such as initiatives targeted to Indigenous girls. We found sports team membership was associated with higher levels of physical activity in both the total and the stratified non‐Indigenous sample, but not among the Indigenous respondents. The lack of association found in this Indigenous sample may reflect cultural preferences towards unstructured physical activity such as Caring for Country programs. Higher levels of feeling confident were found to be associated with higher physical activity among the Indigenous participants only.
  • Perceived barriers and enablers to participation in a community-tailored physical activity program with Indigenous Australians in a regional and rural setting: a qualitative study, opens in a new tab, Ashleigh Sushames, Terry Engelberg, Klaus Gebel, International Journal for Equity in Health, Volume 16, (2017). The aim of this qualitative study was to explore perceived barriers and enablers to attending an eight-week physical activity program in a rural and regional setting which aimed to improve health outcomes, but had a low attendance rate. Overall, there were positive attitudes to, and high levels of motivation towards, the physical activity program. Enablers to participation were the inclusion of family members, no financial cost and a good relationship with the principal investigator, which was strengthened by the community-based participatory approach to the program design. Barriers to program attendance were mostly beyond the control of the individuals, such as ‘sorry business’, needing to travel away from the community and lack of community infrastructure.
  • An evaluation of an Australian Aboriginal controlled-community organization’s remote sports-based programme: a qualitative investigation, opens in a new tab, Louisa Peralta, Renata Cinelli, Sport in Society, Volume 19(7), pp.973-989, (2016). Current research suggests that Aboriginal-controlled organizations should play a larger role in developing and implementing sports-based programs for Aboriginal young people. In this paper, we explore the influence of an Aboriginal-controlled organization and its government-funded remote sports-based program on Aboriginal participants and non-Aboriginal stakeholders. The Aboriginal community members and youth would appreciate the Aboriginal-controlled organization working more closely with them to improve the influence of the programme by paying respect to the local Aboriginal culture, social systems and knowledge.
  • Sistas’ and Aunties: sport, physical activity, and Indigenous Australian women, opens in a new tab. Stronach, Megan, Maxwell, Hazel, Taylor, Tracy, Annals of Leisure Research, Volume 19(1), pp.7-26, (2016). Indigenous women have alarmingly low rates of participation in organized sport and physical activity (PA) in contemporary Australian society. To gain a better contextual and cultural understanding of the issues involved, we discussed the life experiences and the place of sport and PA with 22 Indigenous women. A complex amalgamation of cultural beliefs and traditions, history, gendered factors, and geography are presented in the women's stories. Sport and PA were highly regarded, providing the women with opportunities to maintain strong communities, preserve culture, and develop distinct identities as ‘enablers’. The women called for culturally safe spaces in which to engage in PA and noted the need for Indigenous females to act as role models.
  • The community network: an Aboriginal community football club bringing people together, opens in a new tab, Alister Thorpe, Wendy Anders, Kevin Rowley, Australian Journal of Primary Health, Volume 20(4), pp.356-364, (2014). The aim of the present study was to understand the impact of an Aboriginal community sporting team and its environment on the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of young Aboriginal men, and to identify barriers and motivators for participation. Results of the interviews were consistent with the literature, with common concepts emerging around community connection, cultural values and identity, health, values, racism and discrimination. However, the interviews provided further detail around the significance of cultural values and community connection for Aboriginal people. The complex nature of social connections and the strength of Aboriginal community networks in sports settings were also evident. Social reasons were just as important as individual health reasons for participation. Social and community connection is an important mechanism for maintaining and strengthening cultural values and identity. Barriers and motivators for participation in Aboriginal sports teams can be complex and interrelated. Aboriginal sports teams have the potential to have a profound impact on the health of Aboriginal people, especially its players, by fostering a safe and culturally strengthening environment and encompassing a significant positive social hub for the Aboriginal community.

  • NNSW launches first-of-its-kind online Cultural Competency Course, opens in a new tab, (23 March 2023). Netball NSW is delighted to announce the launch of an interactive Cultural Competency and Reflections E-Learning course entitled C.A.R.E. The course is free for all netball participants, Clubs and Associations across the State. Importantly, it’s the first course of its kind to be launched by an Australian sporting organisation, and has been designed in close consultation with Netball NSW’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group. It encourages participants to challenge coaching, officiating, selection and leadership policies and practices within their sphere of influence, given these policies and practices can often exclude or discriminate against Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples. The C.A.R.E package then encourages participants to reflect and advocate for positive alternatives.
  • Sports Inclusion for Indigenous People with a Disability, particularly women, opens in a new tab, Victoria University, (accessed 12 May 2023). Resources for sport organisations to improve access to sport for people with disability, in particular people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island backgrounds.
    • Winyarr Ganbina - Women Arise, opens in a new tab, Victoria University, Outback Academy Australia, Paralympics Australia, (2022). For the first time in Australia, Victoria University in partnership with Outback Academy Australia and Paralympics Australia have recorded the experiences of Indigenous women with a disability who play sport. Provides insight and resources for sport organisations to improve access to sport for people with disability, in particular people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island backgrounds.
    • Checklist for an inclusive community sports organisation, opens in a new tab, Outback Academy Australia – Red Dust Heelers, (2022). A range of actions that sport organisations can implement to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for Indigenous people with a disability, as players and leaders in sport.
  • Gippsland Indigenous Round: Information and resource kit, opens in a new tab, 2nd edition, GippSport, (2018). Indigenous rounds [sometimes called Dreamtime rounds] are a great opportunity to highlight the contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to sporting clubs and the wider community. They also provide an opportunity to work towards better understanding and reconciliation. This document is a starting point for sporting clubs considering holding an Indigenous Round event. It has been developed by GippSport's Deadly Sport Gippsland team from observations, discussions and involvement in events held during previous years.
  • Many Stories, One Goal – Supporting Indigenous Footballers, opens in a new tab, AFL Players Association, (updated 2016). Resource was developed by the nine-member Indigenous Advisory Board and built from the stories and experiences of every Indigenous player in the game and key stakeholders within the industry. The policy is built around four key pillars; Induction, Professional Development, Personal Support and Our Culture – areas identified as vital to developing an environment that best supports Indigenous footballers throughout every stage of their playing career and beyond.

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C4S-Footer-WAIS
First Nations Flags, the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag.
The Clearinghouse for Sport pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge the valuable contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Australian society and sport.