The Carlton Football Club is proud to celebrate NAIDOC Week, which commences today, Sunday 3 July.

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Earlier this year, at the AGM in February, Carlton Football Club members strongly voted in favour to adopt the recommended changes to the Club's Constitution, including the recognition of Traditional Owners of the grounds upon which the Club plays, and to acknowledge the contribution of First Nations peoples to the formation of the game as we know it.

In a video to members today, President Luke Sayers acknowledged the significance of this constitutional change.

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Message from the President | Member update

President Luke Sayers updates members on changes to the Club Constitution, NAIDOC Week and the year so far.

“This means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will now be officially recognised in our Constitution – this is a first for our code and we believe the first across any sporting code in Australia,” he said.

“We are in constant dialogue with our Indigenous staff, players and stakeholders on how we can be proactive for Australia’s First Peoples and we understand that by changing our constitution, we don’t stop here.

“It’s further commitment to continue building on our work and provide more inclusive environments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture as well as further representation."

Including this constitutional change, the Club is also developing a community program to build self-determination and meet community needs. This Constitution change will also assist with;

  • Supporting the Club’s First Nations staff in their work and in the workplace
  • Building on cultural safety practices and strategies in People and Culture and;
  • Overcoming Indigenous disadvantage in club community engagement

“We’re incredibly proud of this outcome, which was based on the commitment from the 2021 AGM to review the Club Constitution to reflect a progressive society and the work we continue to do within our club and we thank you for your support,” Sayers said.