Western Port Basketball Association acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land across Australia as the continuing custodians of Country and Culture dating back to the creation of the Dreaming. We pay our respect to First Nations peoples and their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge and celebrate the inherent resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. We thank the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, communities and stakeholders that have guided us through our ambition to achieve meaningful reconciliation outcome.
At WPBA our purpose is to build a brighter future for all in our local community. This means playing a role in this countries recovery and transition, and leading in the support we provide to our members and local community. With ongoing work on our Reconciliation Action Plan which is in the progress of Reflect we will align our reconciliation vision to our purpose, supporting us to deliver on this commitment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples every day.
WHY ACKNOWLEDGING COUNTRY IS IMPORTANT?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced a long history of exclusion from Australian history books, the Australian Flag, the Australian anthem and for many years, Australian democracy. The history of dispossession and colonization lies at the heart of the disparity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians today. Including recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in events, meetings and national symbols contributes to ending the exclusion that has been so damaging. Incorporating welcoming and acknowledgement protocols into official meetings and events recognizes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of land and shows respect.
THE ABORIGINAL FLAG
Is divided horizontally into equal halves of black (top) and red (bottom), with a yellow circle in the center. The black symbolizes Aboriginal people. The yellow represents the sun, the constant re-newer of life. Red depicts the earth and people’s relationship to the land. It also represents ochre, which is used by Aboriginal people in ceremonies.
THE TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER FLAG
Symbolizes the unity and identity of all Torres Strait Islanders. The flag is emblazoned with a white Dhari (Headdress) which is symbol of Torres Strait Islanders. The white five pointed star beneath it symbolizes peace, the five major island groups and the navigational importance of stars to the seafaring people of the Torres Strait.
