
Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) is proud to launch its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a step forward in its ongoing commitment to reconciliation and the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes, culture and communities.
Building on the foundation laid by the Reflect RAP, the Innovate RAP sets out clear actions and long-term strategies to embed reconciliation throughout CGA’s operations, partnerships and culture.
Launched during National Reconciliation Week, the plan signals CGA’s dedication to moving beyond reflection toward meaningful and measurable change.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes have shaped some of the most defining moments in Commonwealth Games history – from Percy Hobson and Jeff ‘Mitta’ Dynevor becoming the first gold medallists in 1962, to Cathy Freeman OAM’s powerful act of carrying both the Australian and Aboriginal flags at the Victoria 1994 Games, sparking a national conversation on reconciliation.
CGA acknowledges this rich and resilient history, along with the barriers and injustices many athletes have faced. Through the Innovate RAP, CGA reaffirms its commitment to truth-telling, recognition and creating an environment where every athlete can proudly embrace and celebrate their heritage.
The Innovate RAP was shaped under the guidance of CGA’s RAP Advisory Group (RAPAG), which includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alumni, experts, community representatives and CGA Board Directors.
Their lived experience, cultural insight and leadership were essential in creating a plan that is authentic, ambitious and rooted in respect.
The plan was revealed at CGA’s Annual General Meeting, with Chair of the RAPAG, Kyle Vander-Kuyp, a proud Worimi and Yuin man and four-time Commonwealth Games athlete, proud of the work delivered to bring the final product to life.
“This plan is more than just a document, it’s a commitment. It reflects our promise to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with respect, purpose and pride,” Vander-Kuyp said.
“Sport has the power to create real change, where young athletes can see themselves represented, supported and inspired.”
CGA President Ben Houston described the Innovate RAP as a significant milestone in the organisation’s reconciliation journey.
“Our Reflect RAP allowed us to listen, learn and acknowledge; our Innovate RAP is about action,” Houston said.
“It’s about embedding reconciliation in every part of our organisation, from governance and partnerships to how we support our athletes, alumni and communities.”
CGA CEO Craig Phillips AM emphasised the ongoing nature of reconciliation.
“Reconciliation is a journey, not a checklist. Our Innovate RAP ensures we continue to listen, act and advocate. We honour the past, but we also commit to building a better, more inclusive future, on and off the sporting field,” Phillips said.
To visually capture this next phase, CGA once again collaborated with Chern’ee Sutton, a proud Kalkadoon woman and celebrated artist. Her new artwork for the Innovate RAP reflects CGA’s values of integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and excellence.
This piece builds on the powerful artwork created for the Reflect RAP in 2022, continuing the story of growth, unity and shared strength, while honouring key moments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence and resilience.
As CGA moves forward, its commitment remains clear: to celebrate, support and walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, through sport, through action and through enduring respect.
CGA RAP Advisory Group:
- Kyle Vander-Kuyp (Worimi and Yuin)
- Katie Mitchell (Worimi)
- Cassie Woods
- Steve Moneghetti
- Luke Casey-Leigh
- Karen Milward (Yorta Yorta)
- Craig Williams (Yugambeh)
- Travis Couch
Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
Commonwealth Games Australia continues its commitment to being an active participant in Australia’s reconciliation journey with the launch of its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.