Statement of Commitment 

The Australian Dragon Boat Inclusive Framework (ADBIF) is an initiative developed by the Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF) , in consultation with the State Members/Territories. It provides dragon boat with a clear guide to achieving full inclusion of people who face disadvantage when it comes to getting involved in our sport.

• As representatives of dragon boat, we recognise that inclusion is about ensuring our sporting community reflects diversity of the broader Australian community and we sincerely commit to work together towards achieving this.
• We commit to applying the ADBIF principles in the development of clear strategies and policies to achieve inclusion and remove discrimination within our respective organisations.
• We commit to establishing clear targets for measuring success in the context of our respective organisational priorities and core business.
• We commit to promoting a culture of inclusion through application of the ADBIF and promotion of associated resources and tools to our respective stakeholders, constituencies, and members.
• We commit to contributing to the ongoing development and delivery of the ADBIF in the dragon boat community.
• In making this commitment we recognise the important role we play in leading the sport at all levels towards full inclusion of people in the sport of dragon boat. We understand that the impact of our commitment will reach beyond our own organisation. 

Acknowledgement of traditional owners 

Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF) acknowledges and pays respects to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and teh continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. AusDBF recognises and respects these practices acknowledging that our sport in Australia is conducted, administered and celebrated on the land and waterways of these Traditional Custodians.

What is inclusion?

Inclusion is pro-active behaviours, options and actions to make people from all backgrounds, ages and abilities feel welcome, respected and that they belong at your club. Being inclusive is about following best practice for what sport should be so that everyone can get the most out of it.

What is Diversity?

Diversity is the mix of peoples’ different attributes and backgrounds (i.e. race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion). A good way to think about diversity is to think about your local community. Does your club reflect the diversity of your local community? Diversity is the mix of people, inclusion is trying to get this mix to all work

Sport Australia believes that every Australian should be able to participate in sport and physical activity in a welcoming and inclusive way – regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, cultural background, ethnicity, location or life stage.

Every person should be treated with respect and dignity and protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse.

We recognise that people cannot enjoy themselves or perform at their best if they are treated unfairly, so Australian sports and physical activity providers must provide environments that are free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

The benefits of inclusion

· Positioning your organisation as a champion of inclusion will:

· Enhance your brand and reputation

· Ensure consistency in ‘walking the talk’ to meet your strategic objectives

· Allow you to meet sport regulatory obligations

· Increase governance and risk management and decrease potential legal risks

· Increase membership

· Increase pathway and participation opportunities

· Increase sponsorship opportunities

· Increase public support and volunteer base

· Ensure greater publicity and positive public image

· Provide a better connected and diverse sports community

· Break down barriers and promote social inclusion

Diversity & Inclusion Contacts in each State 

Promote

7 pillars of Inclusion; Access, Attitude, Choice, Partnerships, Communication, Policy and Opportunity

AusDBF acknowlegdes Sport Inclusion Australia for material matter - https://sportinclusionaustralia.org.au/

Diversity & Inclusion Resources 

National Inclusion Framework

Sport Inclusion Plan 

Internal Support Contact 

Ian Gearey (he/him)  - Diversity and Inclusion 

External Counselling and Support Services 

Pride in Sport 

Life Line - 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services)

Beypond Blue - 1300 224 636  (aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety)

MensLine Australia - 1300 78 9978 (professional phone and online counselling service offering Support to Men)

QLife - 1800 184 527 (provides national phone and web-based services for Lesbian peer support referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings, relationships)

eheadspace - 1800 650 890 (provides counselling for young people aged 12-25 and their family and friends)

Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 (free counselling service for young people aged 5-25)

Butterfly Foundations National Helpline - 1800 334 673 (free counselling service and treatement for people with eating disorders and body image related issues)

Blue Knot Foundation Helpline - 1300 6577 380  (provides support,education and resources for familes and communities of adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse)

SANE Australian - 1800 187 263 (provides support to anyone in Australia affected by complex mental health issues)

MindSpot - 1800 614 434  (phone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression)