Monday 24 February marked an important milestone as Adelaide Oval launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a commitment to learning, listening, and building stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
While Adelaide Oval’s journey is just beginning, we recognise the significance of our landmark and the responsibility we have to foster cultural respect and inclusion. With the guidance of Reconciliation Australia, we are taking steps to embed reconciliation into everything we do.
We were honoured to have Uncle Mickey O’Brien deliver a heartfelt Welcome to Country, grounding us in the deep and enduring history of this land. A sincere thank you to Reconciliation South Australia CEO Jason Downs, AOSMA CEO Nick Addison, the entire AOSMA RAP Working Group and Chairperson Mieke Sellers for their dedication over the last 12 months.
A special acknowledgment to Pat Caruso, artist and founder of We Create Print Deliver, for the stunning artwork that visually represents our commitment to our Reflect RAP.
Our Commitment to Reconciliation
As one of Australia’s most iconic venues, Adelaide Oval has long been a place of gathering, history, and shared experiences. Known to the Kaurna people as Tarntanya Wama, this land has been a meeting place for thousands of years – a tradition we honour and respect as we take meaningful steps toward reconciliation.
We are proud to launch our inaugural Reflect RAP where we seek to embed reconciliation into our culture, operations, and engagement with the community.
Our Vision for Reconciliation
As a world-renowned organisation, we commit to educating ourselves and those within our sphere of influence. Our RAP vision is to create pathways for, and strengthen new relationships with, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, for the betterment of all.
This commitment aligns with our broader strategic goal: to be Australia’s most iconic provider of world-class, unmissable experiences for all. By actively fostering inclusion, respect, and opportunity, we ensure that our journey toward reconciliation is not just symbolic but impactful.
Taking Action
Our RAP is built on three key pillars: Relationships, Respect, and Opportunities, guiding our initiatives, which include:
- Strengthening partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations
- Increasing cultural awareness and education across our workforce
- Creating employment pathways and supplier diversity opportunities
- Embedding meaningful recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures into our venue and events
Our RAP Artwork
Designed by Eastern Arrernte artist Pat Caruso, our Reflect RAP artwork showcases the rich history of Tarntanya Wama and the journey of reconciliation. The piece incorporates symbolic elements such as Kangaroo Tracks to represent people travelling from all over the world, community circles signifying connection, and the River Torrens as a lifeblood of Kaurna Country.
Looking Forward
This Reflect RAP marks the beginning of an ongoing journey. With the support of our RAP Working Group, joint venture stakeholders, and the broader community, we are committed to creating an inclusive and culturally safe environment at Adelaide Oval.
We invite you to learn more about our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan and join us in taking steps toward a more unified and respectful future.
ADELAIDE OVAL’S RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
Pictured: The Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority RAP Working Group