The initiative, in partnership with AFL Goulburn Murray, the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission (the Commission), the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and Victoria Police, promotes the messages of harmony and diversity whilst also promoting the new Report Racism initiative.
The Shepparton Swans v Kyabram game at Princess Park will be the feature match for the round with Shepparton Police Superintendent Mick Sayer to address the players and crowd about the initiative.
The Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association is also supporting the initiative and central umpires will wear specially designed and branded shirts to mark the round at all GOTAFE GVFL senior games. The umpires will also address the players prior to the commencement of the other five games.
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Kate Jenkins said Report Racism is a tool that enables individuals to report any incident of racism, which may include racial discrimination, vilification, racially motivated crime or racially motivated incidents by any member of the community, including police officers.
"Report Racism aims to create an environment where you can feel confident and safe to report any cases of racism you experience or witness, including racial discrimination and vilification" she said.
"Through the program people can report racism online or at a local community organisation as well as directly to Victoria Police or the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
"The initiative is delivered in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and Victoria Police and is currently being piloted in Shepparton.
"The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission would like to acknowledge the support of AFL Goulburn Murray and the GOTAFE GVFL in promoting harmony and cultural diversity on and off the field."
GOTAFE GVFL Chairman David Roff supports the initiative and the role football plays in promoting racial harmony.
"Our great game is enhanced by the on field and off field contributions of players from indigenous and multicultural backgrounds," he said.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players are well represented in the GOTAFE GVFL and we are also seeing an increasing number of footballers from other cultures making their mark in all grades."
"There is no place for racism in our community and the football netball club environment provides a positive setting for people of all ages, sexes and cultural backgrounds to enjoy Aussie Rules."
For more information on the Report Racism program go to www.reportracism.com.au
Last Modified on 27/09/2016 17:56