Indigenous
Indigeneous Communities
Although the overall participation rate in physical activity among our indigenous population is less than half that of the non-indigenous population, involvement in sport and recreation is an integral part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life and serves as an opportunity for cultural survival and revival.
Some of the benefits sport and recreation programs offer indigenous communities include; a very significant and positive-contribution to long-term health; a cost effective method to help combat substance abuse, cardiac disease, diabetes and obesity; a considerable impact on mental health disorders; and an effective element in diversionary schemes for youth. In addition, sport often provides the first opportunity for shared experiences between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians and for recognition of indigenous achievement.
Providing access opportunities for Indigeneous communities should be an important consideration for any sport or active recreation organisation.
Included below is information to help sport and active recreation clubs and organisations better understand some of the issues around Indigeneous access.
Click on the relevant links below to view and download documents.
Related Websites
Victorian Aboriginal Youth Sport and Recreation
www.vaysar.com.au
Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic)
www.yacvic.org.au