24 August 2005
NRL stars share their stories for 'Voices of Australia' project
The National Rugby League (NRL) have joined forces with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission to tackle racism head on through their support for "Voices of Australia" - a project to celebrate the 30 th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act.
The aim of "Voices of Australia" is to encourage greater understanding and friendship between people of different backgrounds through sharing the stories of their experiences.
Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner Tom Calma said: "It is great to have the support of the NRL and their star players for this project. I"m sure that their stories will inspire fans to share their own stories of celebrating diversity and living together in contemporary Australia.
"The NRL has players from a diverse range of nationalities, cultures and religions. By celebrating what we have in common, and by respecting our differences, we can break down barriers and forge life-long friendships on and off the playing field."
NRL Chief Executive David Gallop said: "This is an important project for Rugby League and something we"re very passionate about. We"re privileged to have players and supporters from a variety of backgrounds and we"ll continue to work on encouraging understanding and acceptance."
NRL stars from diverse cultural backgrounds including: Dean Widders (Parramatta Eels), Darren Lockyer and Petero Civoniceva (Brisbane Broncos), Steve Price (New Zealand Warriors), Hazem El Masri (Canterbury Bulldogs), Alex Chan (Melbourne Storm), Anthony Minichiello (Sydney City Roosters) and Matt Bowen (North Queensland Cowboys) share their real life stories. Players are also featured in a poster showing them working together as equals on the sporting field.
Parramatta Eels star Dean Widders has been a driving force behind "Voices of Australia". "This project will help people of all ages to deal with racism and discrimination better," he said.
You can read your NRL stars" stories and tell us your own by logging onto www.humanrights.gov.au/voices. Selected stories will be placed online for all to read.
Stories can relate to one of the following themes: Australia: our home; Unexpected friendships; Breaking down barriers; Racism: not in my backyard; and From tolerance to respect. Your story should be no more than one A4 page (400 words), and remember, your writing style isn"t important; it"s your story that matters.
The Commission is also producing a magazine featuring a range of selected stories which will be distributed to community groups, libraries, local councils, religious groups, government agencies and other groups around the country.
If you have any queries about "Voices of Australia" or how to submit your story, or would like a copy of the poster, go to the website, email voices@humanrights.gov.au or call (02) 9284 9829.
Media Contact: Paul Oliver (02) 9284 9880 or 0408 469 347
For updates about the Voices of Australia project please join the Racial Discrimination Electronic Mailing List.
Last updated: 24 August 2005.
© Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
Comments and Feedback welcome - Email: voices@humanrights.gov.au.
