Congratulations on developing such an important initiative in Coaching Unlimited. Over 12 months ago, I watched one of your on-line lectures/ webinars on the inequalities that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face when accessing coaching opportunities and roles in Australian sport. It was an inspirational lecture and largely influenced the work I do at Athletics Australia. Since watching your webinar, I have focused more attention on providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with coach education and accreditation opportunities. We have strengthened our partnership with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation and have since accredited more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander coaches over the last 12 months than ever before! Last year we developed a 2-day coaching course specifically for Indigenous Marathon Foundation graduates. The feedback we received from their group was overwhelmingly positive, so much so that we are currently putting together another course that we will be delivering next month.  

 

We are also near completion of an 8-week coaching education course for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students in Victoria. The participants have been incredibly receptive to learning the principles of coaching and leadership and have enjoyed the opportunity to test their new skills on local primary school students  who can’t get enough of their enthusiastic and knowledgeable coaches.

 

Finally, we have identified a number of  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people residing in their communities to become “Athletics Leaders”. It is our intention to support them over the next year to develop their coaching skills and embed the sport of athletics in their communities. Our Athletics Leaders will be empowered to drive their own learning and development in a supported environment through accreditation, professional development and mentorship.