AOC STRETCH RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN AND FIRST NATIONS ARTWORK LAUNCHED

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) together with the AOC Indigenous Advisory Committee today launched its ‘Stretch’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and unveiled a powerful new Team artwork that together represent the next chapter of its commitment to reconciliation through sport.

The ‘Stretch’ RAP builds on the foundations of the AOC’s ‘Reflect’ and ‘Innovate’ plans. It acknowledges the work done so far and carries forward a commitment built on genuine partnership with First Nations peoples, celebrating the value of heritage, culture and contribution, giving practical support to the journey of reconciliation through sport.

The new Team artwork, titled ‘Doonch-doonch, Kaymelan, Together’ is a collaborative piece created by three artists, Peter Farmer Senior and Peter Farmer Junior from Noongar Country in Western Australia and Alick Tipoti from the Torres Strait. 

Meaning ‘coming together’ in Noongar and ‘together’ in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) the artwork is woven from these Indigenous visual languages and honours the 66 known Indigenous Olympians, carried together as a wave, an expression of unity across land, sea and sky. Across generations, communities and cultures it represents one shared story.  

The artwork will feature on the Australian Olympic Team uniforms in Los Angeles in 2028 and the French Alps in 2030.

“I’m extremely excited to be part of this project. As an artist for the athletes, I want them to feel proud and strong knowing this artwork was designed with thought and care when it comes to culture,” Peter Farmer Junior said.

Chair of the AOC Indigenous Advisory Committee, Patrick Johnson OLY, said the ‘Stretch’ RAP reaffirms a commitment to working alongside First Nations peoples to advance a reconciliation journey, and the artwork sends a powerful message that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is not separate from Australia’s Olympic story – it is central to it.

“The AOC ‘Stretch’ RAP makes clear that reconciliation is not something we acknowledge only on special occasions – it is something we embed in our decisions, our sport, our workplaces and our communities,” Johnson said.

“The commitment is simple, to keep listening, learning and moving forward together.  We’ve seen what’s possible through our 66 known Indigenous Olympians whose achievements have contributed to a legacy of excellence, resilience, pride and inspiration that continues to shape Australian sport.”

Johnson and one of Australia’s most celebrated Olympians, Catherine Freeman AC (pictured above), are founding directors of the Australian Olympic Community Foundation, the newly established philanthropic arm of the AOC created to give back to the community.

The Australian Olympic Indigenous Athlete Scholarship is a new initiative from the ‘Stretch’ RAP and the inaugural program of the Foundation.  It will provide emerging First Nations athletes with financial support for living costs including education expenses and access to Indigenous led mentoring and career support.

“For too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes, the pathway to high performance has been more difficult than it should be. The Scholarship will help create clearer pathways for the next generation of First Nations athletes and leaders,” Johnson said.

Speaking at the launch, Catherine Freeman AC, described why she wanted to make a difference with the Scholarship.

“It’s like a full circle moment. I wanted to be part of an opportunity for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes who have potential to thrive and really contribute to Australian society,” Freeman said.

AOC President Ian Chesterman AM said the AOC’s ‘Stretch’ RAP demonstrates the AOC’s commitment to a future where reconciliation is realised through action, partnership and practical support.

“We are committed to this journey, to work together, to walk together, to make a meaningful contribution. Our ‘Stretch’ Reconciliation Action Plan is not simply a statement of intent. It is a stronger commitment to action, in the leadership of our Indigenous Advisory Committee, in the voices of our Olympians, in the unveiling of this remarkable artwork and in our shared belief that the path to Brisbane 2032 and beyond must also be a path of truth, respect, opportunity and unity,” Chesterman said.

Read the AOC Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan here

Learn about the artwork here

Australian Olympic Committee