Triathlon Australia's Board has announced its support for an Indigenous Voice to Federal Parliament in the upcoming referendum.

Marking the commencement of National Reconciliation Week tomorrow, and along with support for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, Triathlon Australia has also announced the sport’s Reconciliation Action Plan project in partnership with TRIMOB Australia, a First Nations organisation that empower First Nations Australians through the sport of triathlon.

From Turrbal land, Triathlon Australia President Michelle Cooper expressed the Board’s strong support.

“We have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in triathlon and we are proud to add Triathlon Australia’s support for the Indigenous Voice to Federal Parliament,” said Cooper.

“Not only are we taking this first important step towards reconciliation through triathlon, at this momentous time in our Nation’s history, we are advocating for the YES campaign.”

The Board’s decision to support the YES campaign has been made with the support of Triathlon Australia’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group as well as TRIMOB - Triathlon Australia’s partners in the RAP project.

“The Board has carefully considered all of the advice and we are united in our advocacy for a better future for all First Nations people to have a say over decisions that directly affect them,” said Cooper. “For this reason, we have pledged support to the YES campaign and are proud to add our voice in support of the Indigenous Voice to Federal Parliament.”

“We understand there are diverse views across the community, and we respect the diversity of opinions and the right for all Australians to form their own decision in the referendum.” 

Nat Heath, TRIMOB Founder, proud Noongar & Martujarra man, and passionate triathlete commends Triathlon Australia for its commitment to starting their reconciliation journey, saying “sport has an opportunity to be a role model to all Australians at this historic time and I am so proud of the step Triathlon Australia has made to walk alongside First Nations People.”

Triathlon Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Harradine, Director Stuart Corbishley, and Olympian Emma Jeffcoat, today joined more than 20 Australian sports across Sydney and Melbourne, united in support of a Voice to Parliament, and said the organisation is proud to unite with TRIMOB in a significant milestone.

“We are extremely proud to launch our Reconciliation Action Plan project with the support of TRIMOB to guide our organisation on our reconciliation journey,” said Harradine.

“This is a significant milestone for our sport and in our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion journey, and one which we are proud to be on embarking on to advance reconciliation through Triathlon’s RAP.”

Triathlon Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan project group has been formed with Triathlon Australia staff from across the country, representing various parts of the organisation from all different backgrounds. The project will include cultural capability sessions, Q&As with members and Board and employee consultations. 

About TRIMOB
TRIMOB Australia is a First Nations organisation that empower First Nations Australians through the sport of triathlon. Learn more at www.trimob.org/